William Scott
The Federal Government has announced it will collaborate with the Victorian Government to deliver two new road projects in the state’s southeast in a move to improve safety and better connect Melbourne’s suburbs, Victoria’s regions and surrounds.
The projects are:
- Nepean Highway and Overton Road Intersection Upgrade ($50 million)
- McLeod Road and Mornington Peninsula Freeway Intersection Upgrade ($25 million)
The Nepean Highway and Overton Road Intersection Upgrade will enhance road safety for vehicles, pedestrians and cyclists by installing traffic signals and improving footpath connectivity to the existing Kananook Creek Trail.
The McLeod Road and Mornington Peninsula Freeway Intersection Upgrade will deliver improvements to this intersection, supporting journeys between the south-east suburbs and the coast.
The Federal Government said these will be transformative projects for Melbourne’s south-east, improving the lives of residents from Carrum to Frankston and beyond.
The projects are part of the Federal Government’s $1 billion Road Blitz, matching the existing near billion-dollar road blitz campaign by the Victorian Government, which has since added an additional $200 million.
The announcement follows funding already allocated to three projects under the Road Blitz, including:
- Sealing and upgrading 5.6km of Old Sydney Road from the Mitchell/Hume boundary, Mickleham, to Camerons Lane, Beveridge
- Completing the duplication of Evans Road, Cranbourne, between Duff Street and Central Parkway
- Delivering further works at the intersection of McLeod Road and Station Street, Carrum, including adjustments to improve signalisation and traffic flow
Delivery timeframes for the projects will be determined in consultation with the Victorian Government.
Prime Minister, Anthony Albanese, said, “My government is building Australia’s future – and that means building Victoria’s future too. We want to make sure all Victorians have the services and the infrastructure they need now and into the future.
“We will continue to partner with the Victorian Government to deliver critical road upgrades to provide immediate congestion relief now.
“This is good for local jobs, good for local businesses and good for commuters.”
Victorian Premier, Jacinta Allan, said, “Every Victorian wants to spend less time stuck in traffic and more time with family – that’s why we’re delivering major road upgrades across Melbourne’s south-east and faster and safer journeys for decades to come.
“As we build more homes, we are making sure our fastest growing communities have the transport infrastructure they deserve now and into the future.”
Federal Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government, Catherine King, said, “We’re fixing roads right across Victoria; from Ararat to Gippsland to Melbourne.
“These will be transformative projects for Melbourne’s south-east, better connecting these growing suburbs with the city and the region.
“The Road Blitz will fund projects to improve network efficiency, travel times and road safety in key areas of Melbourne and its surrounds, to match the Victorian Government’s Road Blitz which is largely focused on the regions.”
Victorian Minister for Transport Infrastructure, Gabrielle Williams, said it’s fantastic to have a partner in Canberra that can deliver critical investments to keep the state moving.
“Our growing communities deserve the very best road connections, which is why we are investing more to improve traffic flow and boost safety.”
Federal Member for Dunkley, Jodie Belyea, said, “As a local who travels frequently across our community, I know this investment will make a major difference for pedestrians and road users.
“These upgrades will enhance safety for pedestrians and road users in our local community, make our local roads safer and get people moving faster.”
