Sunbury Rd goes to four lanes in budget roads splash

SUNBURY RD will be widened from two to four lanes, an intersection improved and shared path built in another big state budget win for the town.

• $10.8 million for Sunbury specialist school
• Bulla bypass plans knocked back
• Hume Council asks police to step up Sunbury Rd patrols
• Sunbury Rd speed limit reduced

SUNBURY RD will be widened from two to four lanes.

The works, announced as part of the State Government’s Suburban Roads Upgrade, will see the widening of the commuter road from Powlett St to Bulla-Diggers Rest Rd, while the roundabout at the intersection of Lancefield Rd and Francis Blvd will also be upgraded.

Sunbury state Labor MP Josh Bull said the works were essential.

New wire rope barriers and a shared cycling and pedestrian path will also be installed.

More than 24,000 drivers use the stretch daily.

“Locals who use Sunbury Rd every day know this upgrade is long overdue,” Mr Bull said.

“This massive upgrade will boost capacity and slash congestion and improve safety on Sunbury Rd whether you’re driving, riding or walking.”

Mr Bull said the works would also boost the reliability of bus services between Sunbury and Melbourne Airport.

The announcement falls short of a commitment to a second Bulla Bridge, which has been a consistent request from Hume Council and councillors.

The narrow 19th century bluestone bridge is just a few hundred metres beyond the Diggers Rest-Bulla Rd roundabout for a city-bound commuter.

Rapid residential expansion is set for the town after the formation of the Sunbury South and Lancefield Rd precinct structure plans, which will both create extra traffic on the stretch.

Sunbury Rd further south of Bulla is currently being separated in response to several accidents on the road.

State Roads Minister Luke Donnellan said the Suburban Roads Upgrade, which includes works to Craigieburn Rd, would fix more than 50km of roads.