Moves to establish a bypass of Lilydale’s Main Street began in the 1950s when retailers wanted to protect their unusually tree-lined wide Main Street. However, increased development in the 1960s led to the Lillydale Shire Council to widen the street and build it on the three existing north-south levels we have today.

By the late 1970s the traders and businesses realised if Lilydale Main Street was to prosper a bypass was needed. Despite their best efforts every time agreement was reached with council and the state government, nothing happened.

If you want to read more below is some of the many articles about the bypass from our society’s files. These have been supplemented with material generously supplied by Maria McCarthy. To read larger versions just click on the image.

1960s

1970s

1970s Lilydale Chamber of Commerce letter

1980s