The extensive makeover of Australian Open facilities remains on track for completion in time for January's season-opening grand slam.
The centrepiece of the second stage of the $700 million dollar project, the Tanderrum pedestrian bridge, is due for completion in December.
Speaking at the official launch of the 2017 Australian Open on Monday, tournament director Craig Tiley said the bridge from Birrarung Marr to Melbourne Park would become the focal entry point for the event.
"The connection to the city is what we're all about and this makes it more formal and more specific," Tiley said.
"It's the next step in an amazingly clever piece of construction work that effectively turns the focal entry or front of the site from the river to the city.
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"The construction works will be finished in time ... we're expecting to be able to open the bridge in about a month's time and the turnstiles will be out here for the start of January."
The main entry point for the tournament in year's past has been outside Rod Laver Arena, fronting onto Olympic Boulevard.
Tournament organisers will also offer expanded entertainment from next year, with concerts to be held in the open space near the entry to the Tanderrum Bridge.
