From the Minister for Roads and Ports

Clearway times on Upper Heidelberg Road in Ivanhoe will be extended this week as part of the Brumby Labor Government’s $113 million Keeping Melbourne Moving plan to improve traffic flow on key arterial roads.

Roads and Ports Minister Tim Pallas announced from today morning peak clearways would be extended to operate from 6.30am to 10am on the east side of Upper Heidelberg Road, between Heidelberg Road and Lochabar Court.

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

“These morning peak clearways will improve traffic flow on this key Ivanhoe arterial as part of changes being rolled out across Melbourne.

“Clearways will also be more strictly enforced, with parked cars blocking traffic during clearway times to be towed away, so people will need to carefully read the clearway signs to check the times and ensure they are complying.”

Mr Pallas said more than 160 clearways within 10 kilometres of the Melbourne CBD were being extended to run from 6.30am to 10am and from 3pm or 4pm to 7pm as part of Keeping Melbourne Moving.

“About 80 per cent of the required clearway changes have so far been completed. These changes will improve the journeys for up to 300,000 tram and bus passengers and up to 250,000 private vehicle users each day,” he said.

“The standardisation of clearway times ensures that the entire road network runs smoothly, rather than having pockets where congestion negates the benefits of clearways elsewhere.”

Mr Pallas said the Brumby Labor Government recognised the need to balance the interests of local traders, shoppers and commuters and was working with communities to ensure parking arrangements and safety issues were addressed.

“VicRoads has been working closely with local traders and the City of Banyule to minimise the potential impact these changes will have on the area,” he said.