The Urban Design and Landscape Plan for the M80 Ring Road Completion from Greensborough to Watsonia has been approved.
The plan exhibited for comment included improved interchange designs at the M80 Ring Road and Grimshaw St, better locations for walking and cycling bridges at Macorna St and Nell St, a wider landscaped bridge at Watsonia Rd and a new landscaped bridge at Elder St.
While the plan was on exhibition in October 2023, it was viewed online more than 13,600 times. Some 670 people visited the Watsonia Community Hub to speak with the team, and just over 475 submissions were received.
The final Plan approved by the Minister for Planning last month, includes further improvements to the design including:
n Better connections to Watsonia Station and shops
n Two extra walking and cycling crossings at Elder St and Watsonia Rd, with paths along both sides of the landscaped bridges.
n A better location for the Elder St bridge path on the south side further back from the road.
n A greener gateway to Watsonia shops through the Watsonia Rd bridge with more trees and plants.
n Extra parking for local traders and street trees for Watsonia Shops.
n More trees and plants and better green spaces
n More trees and plants for a greener road corridor.
n Improved design for Trist St Reserve.
n Improved wetlands at the M80 Ring Road.
n Better walking and cycling connections to the M80 Trail
n Upgrades at Enterprise Drive, Bundoora to help fix the missing link to Uni Hill Town Centre.
n Three new connections with local streets in Greensborough at Worcester Crescent, Dublin Green and Waterford Place.
n Improved views of noise walls and bridges for residents
n Climbing plants, more garden beds and screen planting, and anti-graffiti coatings in key locations for the community side of noise walls.
n Improved screening for walking and cycling bridges at Macorna St and Nell St.