A major roads project is set to remove a key bottleneck for buses by creating a dedicated bus lane between the Eastern Freeway and Hoddle Street
Expressions of interest closed for construction of the first section of the Streamlining Hoddle Street project, between Johnston Street and the Eastern Freeway in late May.
Victorian Minister for Roads Luke Donnellan says a range of other improvements are also being investigated, including changes to bus and tram stops, improved cycling paths and ways to reduce bus travel times.
“We’re making Hoddle Street faster and more reliable, so people spend less time stuck in traffic and more time at home with their families,” he says.
“Along with streamlining four major intersections, the upgrade is investigating the use of technology to reduce travel times for drivers, cyclists and public transport users and provide a safer journey for all road users.
“Hoddle Street is heavily congested and work can’t wait. “330,000 people use, or cross the Hoddle Street corridor every day.”
The successful contractor for the first section of the project is expected to be appointed later this year, with construction also to begin before the end of 2017.
Expression of interest for the second package of works, between Swan Street and Brunton Avenue, will be issued in the next few months, with construction expected to start in early 2018. All works will be completed by mid-2019.