Commuters can expect improved traffic flows in North Ryde by 2018, with works starting this week for the multi-million dollar widening and upgrade of Delhi Road between the Hills M2 and Lane Cove National Park.

The works, undertaken by Landcom on behalf of Roads and Maritime Services, form part of the organisation’s $17m commitment to provide regional traffic upgrades in the area to support the 5,000 new residents who will reside within Landcom’s new Lachlan’s Line Priority Precinct development.

“Delivering a new community also means delivering vital infrastructure services to support it,” said Landcom Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer John Brogden.

“I’d like to thank our government and private partners for their collaborative efforts that have enabled us to get works under way on this upgrade.”

Local Macquarie Park-based contractor Ward Civil & Environmental Engineering has been awarded the construction contract following a government tender process.

The road project was identified and jointly prioritised by the NSW Department of Planning and Infrastructure, City of Ryde Council and Roads and Maritime Services.

The improvements are designed to help ease traffic congestion in the area and will include the construction of an additional eastbound lane, undergrounding of the existing overhead electrical and telecommunication lines, repositioning of bus stops, modifications to associated traffic signals, new footpaths, landscaping, early detector loops and line marking to improve traffic flow.

The works are scheduled to begin this week in order for completion to be achieved in mid-2018, prior to Transport for NSW’s temporary closure of the Epping to Chatswood rail line.

The construction zones will primarily affect Delhi Road’s eastbound lanes. Road users can expect disruptions including temporary lane modifications, increased truck movements, changes to alignment of footpaths, driveways and bus stop locations.

“Landcom thanks road users in advance for their patience as we undertake these important works,” said Mr Brogden.

Landcom and Ward Civil will work with local businesses and the community to notify them of any impacts to minimise disruption during the works.

More information about the timing of works and potential disruptions will be communicated to the community throughout the construction period.