Work begins on Mordialloc Bypass linking Mornington Peninsula Fwy to Dingley Bypass

WORK has begun on the long-awaited Mordialloc Bypass which will link two major roads in Melbourne’s southeast. Here’s where it will go.

Where the Mordialloc Bypass will connect the Mornington Peninsula Freeway and Dingley Bypass. Picture: VicRoads

WORK has begun on the long-awaited Mordialloc Bypass in south east Melbourne, only weeks after the Andrews Government committed to the $300 million road project.

Bore holes will be dug up to 50m deep in Waterways estate wetlands to make way for the 9km road.

The bypass will link the Mornington Peninsula Freeway in Aspendale Gardens to the Dingley Bypass.

The geotechnical investigations will help develop the final plan for the road along with community consultation to be carried out later this year.

Minister for Roads Luke Donnellan pledged the arterial would open in 2021, easing congestion across the network in Melbourne’s south east.

“The Andrews Labor Government is building the Mordialloc Bypass to improve travel times, boost reliability and improve safety for motorists from some of Melbourne’s fastest growing suburbs,” he said.

Residents are concerned the bypass will affect wetlands.

Drilling will be carried out in the coming weeks aided by a 6m pontoon lifted into the water with a 200 tonne crane.

Mordialloc MP Tim Richardson said the fast-tracked project would be welcomed by the community.

However, local groups are already raising concern over the environmental impacts on the wetlands.

Mr Donnellan said the appropriate impact studies would be carried out and the project would be designed to minimise the effect on local bird life.