Eastlink to open on 29 June

EASTLINK will open on 29 June and be toll-free for four weeks.
The State Government announced the date and toll-free period this week, ending months of speculation about when the $2.5 billion tollway would open.
Premier John Brumby said that 40 years after first appearing in the Melway and just over three years after construction began, EastLink would open on 29 June – five months ahead of schedule.
“This Government is taking action to deal with congestion and the massive growth in patronage on our roads,” Mr Brumby said.
“EastLink is one of Victoria’s most successful road projects, providing a $15 billion boost to the Victorian economy and 6500 extra jobs a year during operation.
“After decades of planning and inaction, this Government made the bold decision to make EastLink a reality for the Victorian community.
“The 39-kilometre motorway has now been delivered early, efficiently and effectively.
“Business is already booming in anticipation of this motorway and growth will only continue with the early opening set to improve business efficiency and competitiveness.”
EastLink links Mitcham and Frankston featuring 17 interchanges, seven kilometres of toll-free bypasses, 88 bridges, a 35-kilometre shared use path, more than 3.6 million plants, 60 wetlands and twin 1.6 kilometre three-lane tunnels under the Mullum Mullum Valley.
Roads and Ports Minister Tim Pallas said people would have a chance to walk, run or cycle on EastLink before it opens, with community festivities planned for an Open Day on Sunday 15 June and buses transporting visitors.