Bypass is up and running

THE DANDENONG Bypass has officially opened almost a year ahead of schedule, with EastLink also set to open earlier than expected.
Premier John Brumby and Roads Minister Tim Pallas opened the $65 million bypass on Sunday as an early Christmas surprise for Greater Dandenong.
ConnectEast built the road as a ‘gift’ to Dandenong as part of its EastLink contract, but it was not expected to be complete until EastLink had opened in late 2008.
“This is a landmark occasion for Victoria,” Mr Brumby said.
“Not only have we delivered the Dandenong Bypass 12 months early to one of Victoria’s key growth areas, we can confirm EastLink is likely to open in mid-2008, around six months early.
“EastLink has been a massive success for Victoria and a mid 2008 opening will deliver an anticipated $15 billion boost to our economy even earlier.
“The growing industrial areas of Dandenong are already booming largely in anticipation of EastLink and will today benefit further from improved connectivity via the toll-free Dandenong Bypass,” he said.
Mr Brumby said the opening of the 4.75km Dandenong Bypass demonstrated what could be achieved when the Government and private sector worked together to deliver positive transport outcomes for the community.
“The Dandenong Bypass is one of two toll-free bypass roads offered as an additional incentive by ConnectEast during the bidding process, along with four railway station upgrades.
“The roadway is a welcome addition to this area and will greatly improve access for the community.
“The partnership model used on EastLink is providing exceptional outcomes and showcasing to the rest of Australia our success in delivering massive infrastructure projects,” he said.
ConnectEast managing director John Gardiner said the early completion of the bypass was a significant milestone for the EastLink team.
“ConnectEast and our construction contractor Thiess John Holland are proud to deliver this road to the community ahead of time,” Mr Gardiner said.
“We are achieving remarkable progress right across the EastLink project and based on current indications, ConnectEast believes the motorway will be ready and safe to open by the middle of 2008.
“Civil works on some sections of EastLink are well-advanced, but there remains much to be done involving a range of complex and interdependent tasks before ConnectEast will be in a position to open the motorway safely for traffic.
“Fit-out works in the twin 1.6km tunnels are proceeding well, as is the development of EastLink’s sophisticated traffic management and safety systems which must be in place and fully tested before we open.”
The Dandenong Bypass runs east-to-west through Dandenong South linking traffic from the South Gippsland Highway in Dandenong to Perry Road in Keysborough.