From the Minister for Roads and Ports

The $32 million upgrade of Ferntree Gully Road has been completed  with the opening of a third lane in each direction between Jells Road and Stud Road, Roads and Ports Minister Tim Pallas announced today.

Mr Pallas said motorists travelling through Melbourne’s south-eastern suburbs would experience a smoother run, with the upgrade of the vital arterial road link now complete.

“The Brumby Labor Government is taking action now to improve Victoria’s roads, building a better transport system so people can spend more time with family and less time in traffic,” Mr Pallas said.

“This much-needed upgrade of Ferntree Gully Road will make life easier for about 45,000 drivers who travel along the busy arterial every day.

“Widening the road in both directions between Jells and Stud Roads will allow motorists to enjoy improved traffic flow, safer driving conditions and a consistent three-lane route from the Princes Highway in Oakleigh through to Stud Road in Scoresby.

“This is a key arterial route for people living and working in the outer south-eastern suburbs and it’s important they have a reliable road link.”

Mr Pallas said motorists would benefit from safer conditions along the widened 4.5 kilometre stretch of road.

“The project includes wide kerbside lanes for safer on-road cycling, new off-road shared paths for pedestrians and cyclists on the north side of Ferntree Gully Road and upgrading and strengthening of the Dandenong Creek Bridge to carry extra traffic lanes,” he said.

Member for Mulgrave Daniel Andrews said the $32 million project was a great boost for the local community and the local economy.

“This will make a big difference for drivers commuting through the region. By creating a consistent three-lane route between Jells and Stud Roads, drivers won’t have to merge down to two lanes in some sections, improving traffic flow and safety,” Mr Andrews said.

“Freight operators, businesses and industry based in Melbourne's outer south-east will also benefit, with improved travel times to deliver a more efficient run.”