Major works ramp up on Watson Street Interchange Upgrade in Wallan VIC

Major works are set to ramp up this month on the Watson Street Interchange Upgrade in Wallan, with the project moving into the next stage of construction.

Crews will now work to realign the existing north-facing freeway ramps on Watson Street to connect with the new interchange traffic lights.

From 3 August until mid-November of this year, both north-facing ramps between Watson Street and the Hume Freeway will be closed to allow works to be carried out safely.

The temporary closure of both ramps will change how people travel through the area. However, this approach will help accelerate construction while minimising the overall period of disruption – completing the interchange upgrade sooner.

Closing both ramps from traffic will enable crews to build the new freeway ramp connections, which will also include new drainage, pavement, kerbs, traffic lights, street lighting, landscaping and signage.

Works progressing on site (source: Victoria's Big Build)

To further help manage impacts and minimise disruptions to the Wallan community, the project team is coordinating these works with the Northern Highway Intersection Upgrade.

During the closure, motorists travelling to or from the Hume Freeway north of Watson Street will need to detour via Epping-Kilmore Road. Delays of up to 20 minutes are also expected, and motorists are encouraged to plan ahead, allow extra travel time, and follow detour signs and traffic controller directions.

Meanwhile, pedestrian access along Watson Street is restored, with the upgraded shared walking and cycling path along Watson Street reopening today. Free community and school shuttle services, on the other hand, will end on 7 August.

As crews continue to progress construction, additional lane closures and traffic management will be put in place on the Hume Freeway and Watson Street as needed.

“We’re getting on with the next stage of the Watson Street Interchange Upgrade, delivering a safer and more reliable connection for the Wallan community,” Roads Minister and Member for Kalkallo Ros Spence said.

“There will be some disruption, so we thank motorists for their patience as we deliver these important improvements,” Big Build Roads Program Director Dipal Sorathia said.

Works progressing on site (source: Victoria's Big Build)

The Watson Street Interchange Upgrade will deliver safer connections as well as improved traffic flow and access to key local roads and the Hume Freeway for the growing Wallan community.

Overall, the upgrade will include:

• An additional outbound exit ramp and an inbound entry ramp, connecting Watson Street to the Hume Freeway
• Installing new traffic signals east and west of the existing Watson Street bridge over the Hume Freeway
• Resurfacing road along Watson Street between Windham Street and Hume Freeway
• Improving walking and cycling connections along Watson Street

Source: Victoria’s Big Build – Big Build Roads (1, 2)