25 January 2012

A new bridge over the Peninsula Link freeway in Frankston South will mean better safety for drivers, cyclists, pedestrians and school children, Parliamentary Secretary for Transport Edward O'Donohue said today.

Officially opening the Robinsons Road bridge on behalf of the Minister for Roads, Terry Mulder, with local MPs Geoff Shaw and Neil Burgess, Mr O'Donohue said it was the first bridge completed by Abigroup as part of the $759 million Peninsula Link project.

"Peninsula Link is one of Victoria's biggest freeway projects, and this is a huge milestone for the community and everyone involved in the project as we enter the last full year of construction on the project," Mr O'Donohue said.

"It's not just motorists celebrating the opening of the Robinsons Road bridge – new traffic signals installed will provide a safe crossing for Bayside Christian College students and walkers and cyclists taking advantage of the new Peninsula Link Trail.

"Around 9,000 vehicles use Robinsons Road every day, so parents can take comfort in this better and safer access to school for their children."

Mr O'Donohue said the new Robinsons Road bridge would give the community its first glimpse of the unique architectural freeway design.

"Peninsula Link has a striking urban and rural design which is highlighted in the workmanship of this bridge," Mr O'Donohue said.

"The bridge parapets include a 'geology' rock pattern which is featured throughout the project while yellow coloured railings make this project stand out and add to the character of the region."

Member for Frankston Geoff Shaw congratulated Southern Way and Abigroup on the achievement and thanked the Bayside Christian College and community for their patience during the works.

"Robinsons Road was closed for around 12 months so these works could be done with minimal impact on the surrounding environment, so it's great that the road is now open again for everyone to use," Mr Shaw said.

Member for Hastings Neale Burgess said the community could expect to see enormous progress along 27 kilometre route throughout 2012, as the project neared its final year of construction with opening on track for early 2013.

"It's all systems go on the construction with asphalting to commence in the very near future," Mr Burgess said.

"Robinsons Road is the first of many bridges set to be completed over the coming months, with strong progress being made on the bridge structures at Skye, Golf Links, Bungower and Mornington-Tyabb Roads."

The Robinsons Road bridge includes new footpaths on either side and works will continue throughout the year to extend the footpath along the north side of Robinsons Road towards Heatherhill Road.

Peninsula Link is a 27 kilometre freeway being delivered toll-free by private company Southern Way and its construction contractor, Abigroup. Peninsula Link is due to open in early 2013.