Council will soon begin construction on a long-awaited roundabout at the intersection of Paynes Road and Edward Road in Chirnside Park.
The project is funded by the Australian Government through both the Roads to Recovery and Black Spot Programs and will improve road safety, reduce the risk of accidents and improve traffic flow.
With planning, land acquisitions and the relocation of AusNet, Telstra, Optus and NBN services now complete, construction will begin in early July.
Yarra Ranges Mayor and Chirnside Ward Councillor, Richard Higgins, said the roundabout would solve an ongoing problem for local residents and commuters in the region.
"We've heard from locals that they wanted improvements to this busy and dangerous intersection, which has been the site of some terrible crashes," Cr Higgins said.
"I'm pleased that we've secured funding to completely redevelop it, replacing the existing T-intersection with a roundabout which will help to manage traffic flow, particularly in peak periods and, most importantly, improving road safety.
The busy intersection sits on the fringe of Chirnside Park, but acts as a thoroughfare connecting commuters travelling through areas like Wonga Park and Eltham with Lilydale, Yarra Glen and the Yarra Valley. Traffic data suggest that close to 10,000 motorists pass through it each day.
"Given the volume of traffic that passes through the intersection every day, we've designed the project in stages to ensure it never needs to be completely closed during the works."
"For the first couple of stages, from July to September, the intersection will remain open with a single lane, and traffic management to guide motorists. You'll still be able to pass through in all directions, but we encourage you to allow extra time."
"In later stages, from October, we'll need to partially close the intersection in some directions at times and will have detours in place."
"We'll be keeping nearby residents updated with SMS messages and letters, getting in touch with nearby businesses and notifying emergency services of the changes. And there will be plenty of signage on site to help direct drivers, to help minimise disruption during construction.
"The end result will provide a safer and less stressful experience for locals and for people travelling in and through Chirnside Park."
Emergency services will have full access through the intersection during all stages of construction.
