July/August 2026
Major works are set to begin between Kurrak and Orchard roads now that safety barriers are in place along Yan Yean Road from Kurrak Road all the way through to the site of the new Yan Yean, Bridge Inn and Doctors Gully Road intersection.
We worked overnight for four weeks to repair and strengthen the asphalt on Yan Yean Road and install safety barriers between Kurrak and Orchard roads. These barriers provide safe work areas where our crews can now work while the road improvements mean that vehicles can continue to safely travel along Yan Yean Road to get where they need to go.
What’s coming up
From late July, you’ll see crews working between Kurrak and Orchard roads to get ready for construction of the new lanes and shared walking and cycling paths. One of the first major activities will be to remove the trees and vegetation necessary to relocate essential services within the road corridor, including electricity, gas, water and telecommunications.
We’ll also start operating out of the site compound that we’ve established in the south of the project area, between Kurrak Road and Worns Lane. In August, we’ll start setting up the main site compound area located in Yarrambat Park, south of the golf course. Both site compounds will support crews and provide space to store materials and equipment.
Managing the environment
Yan Yean Road dates back to the 1850s and the construction of the historic Yan Yean Reservoir, from which it takes its name.
While the community it serves has evolved from horse-drawn carts to the now 24,000 vehicles travelling on it every day, the road has barely changed, and it no longer has the capacity to safely and reliably meet the needs of the growing community.
The existing road corridor has a single lane in each direction, next to well established trees and vegetation, many of which are highly valued by the local community. However, the corridor simply does not have enough room to fit the extra lanes and shared walking and cycling paths needed to improve safety and increase capacity.
To make space for the new lanes and paths, we have acquired additional land to expand the road reserve and will need to remove trees throughout the widened road corridor.
Where possible, we have worked to minimise these impacts by retaining trees valued by the community and trees that provide habitat for local endangered species such as the Swift Parrot.
We’ve minimised impacts by making changes like designing underground services to be located beneath the new shared walking and cycling path where possible and reducing the overall construction footprint.
We’ll also only remove the trees necessary for the earliest activities, to ensure that we explore opportunities to retain as many trees as we can.
We recognise these changes will alter the look and feel of the area. That’s why we’ve developed comprehensive landscaping plans that will, over time, restore the character of the corridor for future generations. We’re also committed to ensuring removed trees are put to the best possible use, such as timber for local organisations and habitat for local animals.
Learn more about how we’ve worked with local organisations to repurpose trees removed during the early stages of the project, and our landscaping strategy.
New intersection of Yan Yean, Doctors Gully and Bridge Inn roads
We’re making good progress building the new intersection, with crews relocating underground services around the Doreen business precinct to install new water, electricity and gas infrastructure.
Construction is also well underway to upgrade the drainage network in the area, including sediment basins and vegetated channels, which will manage stormwater runoff and improve water quality before it enters local waterways.
While construction of the new intersection continues to the north of the existing Doctors Gully Road, we’re also working on Bridge Inn Road to build the new lanes that will eventually connect into the new traffic light intersection.
We've also refined the design around the new intersection to provide an enhanced community space, with a playground and seating area to be built near the historic General Store. Following Council’s decision to develop the Doreen Recreation Reserve into an open space for passive recreation, and a car park for community use, works to remove the old tennis courts and pavilion are underway.
These new community spaces near the Doreen Business precinct, together with improved walking and cycling paths and better road connections, will create an even more welcoming destination for locals and visitors alike.
Community Reference Group
In June, our 2026-27 term Community Reference Group (CRG) met for the first time. Thank you to our outgoing members from last year.
In the coming weeks, we’ll provide profiles of our new group on our CRG page , who provide a diverse mix of voices, interests, and representation of community groups, and will share their local knowledge and advocate for the community.
Pop-ups
We’ll be popping up at the Laurimar Lakeside Market in August to meet with the community. Come along and chat with us about the project to find out what ‘s coming up next.
Changes to the way you travel
Now that safety barriers are in place, speed limits have been reduced to 60km/h throughout the project area, except for stretches of road outside Yarrambat Primary School, Plenty Valley Christian College, and Doreen Primary School, which have been reduced to 40km/h at all times.
As we prepare the area for construction, you’ll need to keep an eye out for changed traffic arrangements so that construction machinery and equipment can safely get on and off the road. While we’re working around the Doreen business precinct, there will be various lane closures, short traffic holds and access changes along Yan Yean Road, Bridge Inn Road and Doctors Gully Road.
Access to businesses will always be maintained and on road signage will help get you where you need to go as well as keep you informed of any upcoming changes.