We’re starting construction on the northern section of the project with Decmil appointed as the contractor to deliver the works. At the same time, we’re continuing to refine the design for the southern section and working to appoint a construction partner to bring it to life.
Northern section update – intersection of Bridge Inn, Yan Yean and Doctors Gully roads
We’ve installed barriers throughout the northern section of the project area to create safe working areas for our crews while vehicles continue to travel along the existing roads with minimal disruption. Throughout November we’ll also set up a site compound on the side of Yan Yean Road for our workers, machinery and materials to build the northern section.
We’ll begin major construction from late November, once our site compound is ready. Major construction will start with removing trees and vegetation out of the way of the new lanes and paths we’re building, along with earthworks to build the new intersection.
Design updates
With construction starting soon, we’ve finalised all major changes to the project design on the northern section of the project, improving the safety and efficiency of the new intersection and further reducing our impact on the environment. We’ll continue to improve the design as we build to avoid as many trees and plants as possible.
Doreen Recreation Reserve
The new intersection will require a section of Bridge Inn Road to be moved north of its current location, through a portion of the existing oval and carpark at the reserve.
To keep the community safe during construction, the reserve is now closed to the public, including the tennis courts, oval and car park.
Whittlesea Council is considering future plans for the area. We’ll continue to work with them on how the reserve will be reinstated following the works.
Southern section - between Orchard and Kurrak roads
In August, we invited a panel of pre-approved contractors to make submissions as part of a tender process to upgrade the southern section of the project.
A preferred contractor will be selected in November based on the quality of their submission. We’ll then work closely with our preferred contractor to develop a reference design and construction program.
We expect to award a contract to build the southern section and start construction by mid-2026.
Teeing up a new hole at Yarrambat Park Golf Course
To keep both motorists safe from golf balls and Swift Parrots safe from fences, we’ll be realigning the holes on the golf course closest to the new lanes.
The critically endangered Swift Parrots breed in Tasmania with the entire population migrating to woodlands across south-east mainland states for winter – including the Yarrambat area. The project’s planning approvals require us to limit how high we build fences, to protect the fast-flying Swift Parrots from collisions.
Before we start work to redesign these holes, we’ll build a new 19th hole at the golf course over the summer.
This new hole will be up and running before we begin realigning the golf course, ensuring the course maintains 18 fully operational holes.
Protecting your environment
We know that trees and vegetation are important to the community, so we’ve been working on design and construction plans to retain the trees that matter the most to you.
With major changes to our design finalised for the northern section, we will be able to retain the two heritage listed River Red Gum trees on the corner of Yan Yean and Doctors Gully roads, and native trees, including the six largest River Red Gums, located next to the new alignment of Yan Yean Road south of the old post office.
Read more about how we’re protecting the environment while we build the northern section of the project.
The Environmental Management Framework (EMF) and associated Environmental Performance Requirements (EPRs) for the project can also be found on project website here .