Craigieburn Rd closure for weeks of works on popular precinct

The state government is tackling traffic issues around the busy Craigieburn Rd, but drivers will have to endure weeks of delays first.

Craigieburn Rd is set to close later this month, causing delays for drivers for weeks while works are underway.

A large section of a major road in Melbourne’s north will completely close to traffic for almost a month as the state government works to reduce congestion.

Between June 23 and August 9, Craigieburn Rd will be closed in both directions between Hanson and Bridgewater roads for widening works.

The works will build new traffic lanes in both directions over the 700m stretch of road.

The impacted section of road takes in Craigieburn Plaza, DS Aitken Reserve, the Craigieburn Tennis Club, Craigieburn Sports Stadium and Craigieburn Gardens.

Major Roads Projects Victoria has advised that road detours will be in place to direct drivers to use Hanson Rd, Medway Rd and Cimberwood Dr to avoid the closure on the northern side of Craigieburn Rd.

Craigieburn Rd will be closed to all traffic in both directions for around 700m between Hanson and Bridgewater roads from Friday 23 June to Saturday 19 August, while more lanes are added to improve traffic conditions.

Hume Highway traffic that would usually exit at Craigieburn Rd for the Craigieburn Plaza should continue to do so, or instead use the Grand Boulevard turn-off to avoid the closure.

Road users seeking to navigate the closure on the southern side of Craigieburn Rd, should use Hothlyn Dr and Bridgewater Rd.

Drivers should plan ahead and allow extra time if travelling through the area, with advice suggesting motorists should allow up to 15 minutes extra travel time if they travel around this stretch of Craigieburn Rd using designated detour routes.

Pedestrian access will be maintained through Craigieburn Rd with some diversions for cyclists.

Local access will be maintained throughout this time and people will still be able to access community facilities such as the sports grounds.

According to the state government, 28,000 vehicles travel through the impacted section of Craigieburn Rd each day, with limited lane capacity causing delays and frustration for drivers.

The section of Craigieburn Rd around the Craigieburn Plaza precinct has been identified as a major peak hour bottleneck for people travelling to the Hume Highway or towards Mickleham Rd.

According to Major Roads Projects Victoria, the new lanes in either direction on Craigieburn Rd will ease traffic, making it easier to enter and exit the Craigieburn Plaza precinct and sporting venues, improve cycling and pedestrian connections and accessibility for emergency services.

The Craigieburn Rd Upgrade project is scheduled for completion by 2025.

Details: bigbuild.vic.gov.au.