Project Scope

Construction of the Great Eastern Highway upgrade commenced at the end of June 2011 and is scheduled for completion by December 2013. The project includes the following works:

  • 4.2km highway widening, from four to six lanes
  • Constructing a central median for the full length of the project
  • Upgrading all major intersections to include dedicated turning movements
  • Providing U-turn facilities at key locations to maintain access to businesses fronting the highway
  • Incorporating bus priority lanes into intersections
  • On-road cycling facilities
  • Footpaths on both sides of the highway
  • Landscaping

Why is the upgrade required?

As one of the State’s principal transport routes and with steadily increasing traffic volumes, the upgrade of Great Eastern Highway is essential to improve efficiency and safety for users of the arterial link.

The current four lane configuration between Kooyong Road and Tonkin Highway is considered deficient as a result of restricted traffic capacity and poor pedestrian and cyclist facilities.

This section is currently operating beyond capacity, particularly during peak periods, with the average weekday traffic count approximately 51,600 vehicles.

It also has a serious crash rate, which is almost twice that of the State average. Rear end crashes represent the highest incidents and this has been attributed to the long queue lengths at signalised intersections, the large volume of traffic flowing through the area, and poor control of access into commercial properties.

In terms of cyclists and pedestrian deficiencies, the current facilities along this section are discontinuous and non-existent in parts.

The lack of a central median in places does not permit two stage crossings, forcing pedestrians to wait for simultaneous gaps in opposing traffic streams or detour to one of the signalised intersections.

What are the benefits?

The Great Eastern Highway upgrade will provide a number of advantages including:

  • Increasing efficiency, capacity and safety
  • Providing facilities for pedestrians and cyclists with greater access and connectivity
  • Reducing travel times and therefore increasing the attractiveness of public transport services
  • Improving the local amenity through the delivery of new facilities and urban design