NEWS that work on an overpass at the intersection of Great Eastern and Roe highways in Bellevue will finally start comes after years of false starts, according to local resident Martin Chape.
Representing Bellevue Ratepayers and Residents Association on a community reference group for the project, he said recent progress on improving the interchange followed three failed plans over the past 20 years.
He said local businesses and residents welcomed Transport Minister Simon O'Brien's announcement this week that work on the $110 million bridge would start later this year.
Main Roads hopes to have the project complete in May 2012.
The intersection has recorded 226 crashes in the past five years.
Once finished, a bridge will move Roe Highway traffic over Great Eastern Highway, alleviating delays for the 60,000 motorists who use the intersection daily.
There will be a loop ramp for vehicles turning right from Roe Highway to head east on Great Eastern Highway.
Mr Chape said he was happy with the work that had gone into the project, which will include upgrades for the Farrall Road-Great Eastern Highway and Morrison Road-Roe Highway intersections.
“It's going to make traffic in that area a lot easier for (people) to deal with,” he told the Gazette.
“I think the community are going to find afterwards they are happy with what they've done.”
A concept plan and three-dimensional views of the interchange will be on display at Midland Library from March 29 to April 23.
Main Roads has short-listed five potential developers for the project and is waiting on them to submit detailed tenders. It expects to award a contract in August.
The Federal Government is contributing $73 million towards the project with a State Government contribution of $27 million.