By Esther Lauaki
Cyclists and pedestrians will soon have a smoother and safer journey through Laverton North as construction ramps up on the first of three overpass bridges.
Piling works are under way on a part of the Federation Trail, starting on the northern side of the overpass on Dohertys Road near Hume Road in Laverton North.
The bridges will span 140 metres long, four metres wide and will soar six metres above Dohertys Road.
Tarneit MP Sarah Connolly said she hoped the project would encourage more families and community groups to use the Federation Trail, which follows the heritage-listed Main Outfall Sewer from Brooklyn to Werribee.
“We know cycling is great for fitness and the environment and eases pressure on our roads and public transport, so we’re building these new modern overpasses for the Federation Trail to encourage more people to ride in Melbourne’s west,” Ms Connolly said.
The new overpass, part of the state government’s $1.8 billion Western Roads Upgrade, will remove the need for ground level crossings, and aims to provide riders who use the 23-kilometre trail a safer journey.
The Federation Trail will remain open during construction with some detours in place.
Work is expected to finish on the first overpass in mid-2020.
Ms Connolly said construction will begin on the longest of the three structures – at 220 metres – at Palmers Road and Sayers Road intersection in Williams Landing, along with the construction of the Leakes Road overpass near Interchange Drive at Truganina from this month.
