Stockland recently opened the Wilam Wiinj Bridge, providing a second access point to the Cloverton master-planned community in Melbourne’s northern growth corridor.
Previously known as the Cloverton Boulevard Bridge, the 390 metre long bridge links Klandy Drive and Donnybrook Road, helping alleviate congestion and enhance traffic flow in the area.
It offers two-way vehicle access, dedicated paths for pedestrians and cyclists, and is designed to support future bus routes.
The Indigenous name Wilam Wiinj means ‘campfire’ and reflects those observed along the banks of the Merri Creek by explorers William Hovell and Hamilton Hume in the early 1800s.
Stockland Development Director James Hawker said the Wilam Wiinj bridge was an important piece of transport infrastructure that would support the needs of the growing Cloverton community.
“We’re delighted to open the Wilam Wiinj Bridge today which, alongside the Victorian Government’s upgrade to the Mitchell Street roundabout in Kalkallo, will improve traffic movements in and around the Cloverton community,” he said.
“We understand the importance of the bridge to the community, and this secondary access point will help residents get to and from their homes and work sooner.”
The $16 million bridge was funded by Stockland in collaboration with the City of Whittlesea and Hume City Council, and was built in conjunction with Melbourne Water and the Department of Energy, Environment, and Climate Action (DEECA).
Member for Kalkallo Ros Spence said the Wilam Wiinj bridge would be enthusiastically embraced by the rapidly growing local community.
“This second access point will improve traffic movements for the Kalkallo community and provide relief on Dwyer Street, while planning is underway for the Donnybrook Road upgrade,” she said.
The bridge has been designed with two dry culverts and two wet culverts beneath it to ensure safe passage for the fauna of Merri Creek, including the Growling Grass Frog, which is known to inhabit the area.
Stockland has also worked with the Wurundjeri people and artists Aunty Kim Wandin and Chris Joy from Murrup Biik to design a steel sculpture of a campfire at the northern end of the Wilam Wiinj bridge.
The sculpture, fabricated and installed by Jason Waterhouse from Sculpture Co, represents families meeting together, sharing a meal, and keeping warm in the cold climate.
