Melbourne's East Link just opened!

To the outside world, it may not matter what East Link is or whether it operates or not. But having witnessed its construction over the past few years, it was a day to celebrate when it opened yesterday, couple of months ahead of schedule.

Traffic police were vigilant and warned publicly against speeding on its opening day. "Safety record is perfect! We want to keep it that way." Perfect record? How else could it be? There are always idiots of course. First one caught was doing 135KM/Hr, hard to resist I reckon!

This A$2.5 billion, 40KM stretch named M3, was the largest road work project for the last few years.

It links the Eastern Freeway all way to the seaside town of Frankston (on Port Philip Bay) through the eastern suburbs.

I assembled some photos of its construction.. rather non-descriptive & looks boring actually.

Surveyor checking on alignment of tunnel section.

When I first came to Melbourne in the 90's, I noticed art is an integral part of its freeway designs. Like this gateway along City Link greeting visitors into the city. Also sound barriers along built up areas are creatively designed. Not many cities of the world go to such an extent.

East Link has a refreshing touch of its own. Notice the transparent orange colored barriers, appear a bit strong and unconventional to me initially.

Come to appreciate when I realize its creative play of sunlight with the surrounds.

Mosaics waves tempered with colors.

Another creative expression.

There's a price to pay as it is a tollway & drive through without toll stations (one of my wish list for Bangkok's tollways). Camera equipped gantry to snap offenders however. Well, just heard from news.. first 4 weeks free! Will check it out tomorrow!