Yan Yean Road Upgrade - Stage 2
March 2026
We’ve kicked off the new year in a big way, getting the area ready to build the new intersection of Yan Yean, Bridge Inn and Doctors Gully roads.
What’s been happening
Since crews returned to site at the start of the year, works have focused on digging out the footprint of the new intersection and preparing the ground to build the foundations of the new road.
We’ve removed trees and vegetation where needed from the main work zones and put protection zones around trees we’ll retain. Throughout the project area, we’ve installed gates for safe access to the work site and temporary traffic lights so our construction vehicles can safely move between work areas.
We’re getting close to finalising the design and our construction plans for the rest of the project, between Orchard and Kurrak roads. We’ll be able to share our design and plans in the coming months, so stay tuned for more information on when we’ll be out and about meeting the community.
What’s coming up
Over the coming months, we’ll mostly work behind barriers around Yan Yean, Bridge Inn and Doctors Gully roads as we continue earthworks to build the foundations for the new intersection and start moving underground services like water, power, and gas services out of the way of the new lanes and paths.
We’ll also carry out site investigations between Orchard Road and Kurrak Road. These investigations collect important information about conditions in the area as we get ready to start major construction in mid-2026.
Utilities work
Starting in early March, we’ll begin relocating and upgrading utilities like water, power, and gas services, moving them out of the way of the new intersection and lanes.
We work closely with utility providers during this process. When we’ve finished installing new pipes for underground services and new poles for overhead power services, we connect these into the existing networks and remove or make safe the old pipes and poles.
When we connect these new assets to the network, expected in mid-2026, there may be times when service interruptions to some properties will be needed. If you and your property are affected, your utility provider will notify you ahead of time.
We’ll mostly work during the day, with lane closures around the roundabout at times. However, some activities may require us to work at night to minimise disruption to traffic. We’ll inform residents about planned night works ahead of time if they’re needed.
Safety first - reduced speed limits
Speed limits around our work area at the intersection of Yan Yean, Bridge Inn and Doctors Gully roads have been reduced to 40km/h while we’re building the upgrade.
This reduced speed limit will be in place even when we’re not actively working. While we build the upgrade, there’ll be long-term changes to road conditions, including reduced lane widths, concrete safety barriers and deep excavation behind barriers.
Slower speeds in these conditions allow drivers more time to see and react to any hazards, keeping you and the community safer.
These changes to the speed limits during construction incorporate nearby school zones to ensure consistency for drivers, parents and students along Yan Yean Road and Doctors Gully Road.
Site investigations
Keep an eye out for crews working between Kurrak Road and Orchard Road in the next few months as we complete site investigations before major works.
While we start with existing plans and records as a basis, nothing beats collecting actual measurements from site. Our investigations cover a wide range of activities, including surveying, drainage inspections, and soil testing.
Traffic management, including speed reductions and lane closures, will be needed at times to keep crews safe while they carry out these works. Please follow all on-road signage as you travel through the area.
Giving trees a second lease of life
While we’ve needed to remove some trees and vegetation to make room for the new lanes, paths and other features of the project, that’s not where their story ends.
Trees removed by the project can be repurposed in a variety of ways, including for carpentry or landscaping. Before removing each tree, we identified the best use for it, to ensure that its value is recognised and put to good use for the local community.
Doreen Primary School, Plenty Valley Christian College and the Yarrambat Horse & Pony Club have been the main recipients of donated timber so far, including over 40 high-quality millable logs and over 300 cubic meters of mulch.
We’ve also kept some timber to reuse in our landscaping for the area once the upgrade is completed.
