Road to be widened

DRIVERS, cyclists and public transport users will benefit from a State Government project to widen Cheltenham Road in Keysborough. The $7.4 million contract to widen the section of road between Chandler and Springvale roads was awarded last week. The works will include an additional traffic lane, improvements to the intersections of Cheltenham and Springvale roads and Cheltenham and Perry roads, and two lanes in each direction between Cheltenham Road and the Dandenong Southern Bypass.
Member for Lyndhurst Tim Holding said the project would not just benefit drivers, with two exclusive bus lanes and separate bicycle lanes in both directions to be included along Cheltenham Road.
“Cheltenham Road is a major arterial road that links Cheltenham and Dandenong, and more and more cars are travelling on this road due to the rate of development in the area,” Mr Holding said.
The exclusive bus lanes will run along Cheltenham Road between Lake View Boulevard and Springvale Road and along Springvale Road over 500 metres on the northbound approach to Cheltenham Road.
Minister for Transport Peter Batchelor said the widening of the road was part of the State Government’s Outer Metropolitan Road Program to upgrade key routes in Melbourne’s outer metropolitan areas.
“The widening will improve traffic flow in the area and will greatly improve safety, mobility and access for residents and drivers who travel between Cheltenham and Dandenong,” Mr Batchelor said.