Plenty Rd gets extra lanes in Mill Park during $178 million overhaul

Traffic on a notorious northern suburbs road is now flowing faster, with six lanes open as part of a $178 million upgrade.

Three lanes are now open in both directions on Plenty Rd.

Traffic on hazardous Plenty Rd is getting welcome relief from chronic congestion, with a $178 million project opening extra lanes on the major arterial route.

Three southbound and three northbound lanes, including a new lane in each direction, were opened on Plenty Rd between McKimmies Rd and Bush Boulevard in Mill Park last week.

Plenty Rd commuters have long battled major traffic jams on the stretch, with only one lane open in each direction during much of 2018 and the start of this year while the road was widened.

Mill Park state Labor MP Lily D’Ambrosio said the 5.6km of extra lanes would slash congestion for 52,000 drivers each day.

“The first stage of the Plenty Rd upgrade is almost complete and will provide a safer and more efficient journey …” she said.

AAMI’S annual crash index last year revealed Plenty Rd in Bundoora was the most common location for crashes in the country.

AAMI spokeswoman Ashleigh Patterson said the number of traffic lights, entry points and the route 86 tram line made the road “prone to extreme congestion” and consequently, more dangerous.

Major Road Projects Authority project director Damien Afxentis said safety was a “key issue” which the project was “working to fix”.

Additional safety barriers and traffic signals had been installed and line marking was due to be finished on July 15, Ms D’Ambrosio said.

About 100 spotted gums will be among 19,000 new trees to be planted by the end of the month.

Stage two of the road’s overhaul, between Bush Boulevard and Bridge Inn Rd in Mernda, will start later this year.