From left, Thiess John Holland’s Gordon Ralph, ConnectEast’s John Gardiner, ConnectEast’s Tony Shepherd, Premier John Brumby and Roads Minister Tim Pallas open EastLink at a ceremony near Ringwood last Saturday.By Shaun Inguanzo
AN EARLY morning opening kicked off the first flow of traffic on the new EastLink tollway last weekend.
The Frankston and Ringwood ends of the $2.5 billion tollway were opened at 1.01am with the first motorists escorted by police as ConnectEast gradually opened all other on ramps by 1.30am.
ConnectEast managing director John Gardiner said the opening was smooth and, most importantly, safe.
“The keen anticipation for EastLink has seen many thousands of motorists visit the motorway today to see firsthand this piece of significant new infrastructure,” Mr Gardiner said.
“The response has been overwhelming and we are thrilled that the community is embracing EastLink and its toll-free period.
“People are telling us how impressed they are by the quality of the road and also its many urban design elements.”
ConnectEast will next week reveal the number of motorists to travel on EastLink during the first seven days of operation.
Following that, it will report statistics monthly.
Mr Gardiner paid tribute to Victoria Police for its support for EastLink’s opening phase and for maintaining a highly visible presence on the road to deter dangerous behaviour such as speeding.
In one instance, police nabbed an 18-year-old Dandenong man for travelling at 135km/h along the 100km/h tollway.
The P-plater was fined and had his licence suspended on the spot.
“Safety is paramount for ConnectEast and we appreciate the work of police in patrolling the motorway and helping to keep it as safe as possible,” Mr Gardiner said.
“ConnectEast continues to urge motorists to be careful in the coming days as traffic patterns settle down and people learn how to use EastLink to their best advantage.”
