Major Road Projects Victoria will fast-track the transformation of one of Sunbury Road’s busiest intersections this month, to improve traffic flow and safety while supporting the growing community for years to come.

The Sunbury Road Upgrade is carrying out three months of work over five weeks at Francis Boulevard in a construction blitz kicking off at 7pm, Tuesday 11 April, which will take advantage of the quieter school holiday period through until mid-May.

More than 100 crew members will work around the clock daily to reconstruct the Francis Boulevard-Sunbury Road intersection for critical works, including the paving of new lanes and installation of traffic lights, pedestrian crossing signals, signs, walking and cycling paths and new drainage.

Vehicles using the intersection, especially those turning right onto Sunbury Road, will benefit from the new traffic lights. Permanent traffic lights will become fully operational once subsequent nearby upgrades are carried out.

The signalised crossings will boost safety for pedestrians by providing a safe passage across Sunbury Road, while better connecting communities to the historic town centre. They are part of around 8km of cycling and pedestrian paths being built across the project.

The upgrade to the Sunbury Road-Francis Boulevard intersection will increase traffic capacity and cater for future increases in traffic and pedestrian volumes caused by population growth in the area.

As part of this construction blitz, Francis Boulevard will be closed to traffic in each direction at Sunbury Road until mid-May, weather permitting.

Drivers and public transport users are being urged to plan ahead and allow extra travel time during these major upgrades. Road users who routinely use Francis Boulevard to access Sunbury Road should use the designated detour via Sunningdale Avenue and Lancefield Road.

Local access to businesses, including the Goonawarra Golf Club, and residences will be maintained from Lancefield Road. Sunbury Road will remain open throughout this time.

Reduced speed limits will be in place for the duration of the works and traffic management will be on-site to direct motorists through the worksite.

During this time, buses will continue to operate with some service alterations.

Major Road Project Victoria’s upgrade of Sunbury Road will boost capacity and safety, delivering better access to existing and emerging communities throughout Sunbury.

The upgrades will improve accessibility for more than 24,000 drivers who rely on Sunbury Road each day – better connecting the growing community to local schools, shops and employment.

The new intersection is one of three to be upgraded on Sunbury Road between Powlett Street and Bulla-Diggers Rest/Loemans Road – with traffic lights to be switched on at Lancefield Road later this year and installed at the entrance to the Sunbury Eco-Hub.

Construction of a second bridge over Jacksons Creek is well underway and is on track to be carrying vehicles later this year.

As we work towards building a safer and more reliable road, work will continue on a number of separate sections to keep traffic moving and disruptions to a minimum. The Sunbury Road Upgrade is due for completion by 2025.

Whether driving, using public transport or cycling, people are asked to allow extra time and plan their journey by checking the PTV or VicTraffic apps before they travel.

For more information about planned disruptions for the Sunbury Road Upgrade visit bigbuild.vic.gov.au

Quote attributable to Member for Sunbury, Josh Bull

“We’re making Sunbury Road safer for pedestrians and drivers by providing signalised crossings at the busy intersection with Francis Boulevard.”

“This is part of a significant investment across Sunbury to get people home safely and with less delays.”

Quote attributable to Major Road Projects Victoria Program Director, Dipal Sorathia

“Francis Boulevard serves as a vital link for residents to travel in and out of Goonawarra. Upgrading this intersection will ensure local motorists get home sooner and more safely.”