Widening and other improvements to the Tullamarine Freeway between Melbourne Airport and Bulla Road are a step closer with the successful tenderer for the project announced today.
Minister for Major Projects, Territories and Local Government Paul Fletcher said Lend Lease has been awarded the contract to build the upgrade.
“The Australian Government has committed $200 million towards section one of the upgrade,” Mr Fletcher said.
“The works will involve widening and upgrading the freeway between Melbourne Airport and Melrose Drive.
“Once completed, this project will reduce congestion by increasing capacity on the corridor by up to 30 per cent, cutting travel times and improving safety.
“The Australian Government is building for Victoria’s future thanks to key projects such as this.”
Victorian Minister for Roads Luke Donnellan said drivers will save on average 16 minutes in the morning peak and 17 minutes in the afternoon peak.
“Victorian construction and engineering companies will also benefit from a local content requirement set under the Victorian Industry Participation Plan with a minimum of 95 per cent of the project needing to be from services and materials provided locally,” Mr Donnellan said.
“The CityLink Tulla project is expected to create 1400 direct and indirect jobs.
“Works will involve construction of an additional lane in each direction along the section, a major upgrade to the Mickleham Road interchange, and reconstruction and widening of the English Street bridge to improve access to Essendon Fields.
“The upgrade will also involve installing ramp signals to regulate the flow of traffic entering the freeway, assisting with traffic flow and congestion management.”
Major construction is expected to begin on the Melbourne Airport to Bulla Road section by mid-2016.
Reviewed 19 August 2020