Mordialloc Freeway: progress made on new 9km $375m road
Construction is set to start on the bridges for the new Mordialloc Freeway. With hundreds of trucks arriving on site every day, the project hasn’t yet been slowed by the coronavirus spread and is still on target to open next year.
Inner South
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About 600 trucks are hauling thousands of tonnes of crushed rock daily as the huge Mordialloc Freeway build continues.
Progress is now visible along the entire nine kilometre stretch of the $375 million thoroughfare, set to provide drivers with a seamless trip from Frankston to Clayton by late 2021.
Major Transport Infrastructure Authority director-general Corey Hannett said there were no confirmed cases of coronavirus among workers and there was strict protocols in place to protect safety and jobs.
Mr Hannett said social distancing practices were being implemented on worksites, including staggered work times and limited activities in common areas.
“Work on our sites delivering Victoria’s Big Build continues and we will continue to work closely with employers and workers to protect workers safety and jobs,” he said.
“The health and safety of our workers is our key priority, as is supporting social distancing measures to reduce the spread of coronavirus.”
Crews have so far installed more than 2000 metres of drainage and 100 underground concrete “piles” to help support the road over the former landfill site at Grange Rd in Dingley Village, and will soon begin constructing six bridges which are set to tower over Governor Rd, Lower Dandenong Rd, Centre Dandenong Rd and Old Dandenong Rd.
There will be an overpass at Springvale Rd, with a road bridge at Mordialloc creek wetlands Waterways.
“Crews are currently preparing for new bridges over the wetlands,” Major Road Projects Victoria program director Brendan Pauwels said.
“During the first part of this year, we’ve brought in the materials to build the freeway foundations.
“Once the foundations are complete, construction will start on the new bridges.”
Up to 600 trucks were hauling thousands of tonnes of crushed rock each day, he said.
Mr Pauwels said he had received a “small number” of complaints regarding truck driver behaviour.
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“We have spoken directly to those drivers to ensure they are working safely and respectfully in the community,” he said.
“The public is encouraged to contact Major Road Projects Victoria if they have questions or concerns.
“We keep residents informed of our works through regular letters, community updates, emails and community information sessions and have listened to any concerns around noise, dust and vibration caused by the project.”
brittany.goldsmith@news.com.au