By Matthew Sims
Berwick motorists have received a new road to ease traffic congestion, with the new $24 million Bells Road now open to the public.
The north-south arterial road in Berwick would give motorists direct access to the Monash Freeway and open up access to future housing.
In partnership with Casey Council and via the Minta Farm Infrastructure Contributions Plan, residential developer Stockland built and funded the 1.9-kilometre arterial road between O’Shea Road and Grices Road, as well as the new signalised intersections at Carnival Boulevard and Grices Road.
Bells Road would eventually connect to Clyde and Clyde North, providing more opportunities for housing and employment in the future.
Casey Council chief executive Glenn Patterson said the council was pleased to have partnered with Stockland on the project, which would also unlock a future employment hub north of the Minta Farm precinct.
“These works will alleviate traffic congestion, addressing a major concern for Casey residents, by providing an alternative route to Berwick-Cranbourne Road and Clyde Road, and improve access for estates near Grices Road and Soldiers Road,” he said.
Property Council Victorian executive director Cath Evans said access to quality infrastructure was critical to support the lifestyles and aspirations of the community.
“This is a great example of how a partnership approach between industry and government can expedite the delivery of infrastructure that benefits everyone,” she said.
Stockland Victorian communities general manager David Allington said the team has delivered infrastructure needed to keep pace with the region’s rapid growth.
“This is an important milestone for the community, as it will ease current traffic congestion and enhance connection, accessibility and liveability,” he said.
The Minta Farm Precinct has a total land area of about 285 hectares of land, which is generally bounded by the Princes Freeway to the north, Cardinia Creek to the east, Grices Road to the south and Soldiers Road to the west.
The Future Urban Structure (FUS) plan illustrates the vision for the development of about 3043 dwellings and a regionally significant employment hub that is envisioned to support about 11,000 local jobs.
The new Local Town Centre would support a mix of commercial, office and knowledge-based and technology businesses.
