Drivers in Melbourne’s south-east can look forward to safer and less congested journeys, with major works set to get underway on the Narre Warren-Cranbourne Road Upgrade.
The project forms part of the $2.27 billion Suburban Roads Upgrade – South Eastern Roads and Northern Roads package, to upgrade suburban roads across the south-eastern and northern parts of Melbourne.
The Australian and Victorian governments are contributing $1.1 billion each to the package.
The contract to deliver the project has been awarded to McConnell Dowell, with construction scheduled to begin mid-2022.
Federal Minister for Communications, Urban Infrastructure, Cities and the Arts, the Hon Paul Fletcher MP, said the Narre Warren-Cranbourne Road Upgrade will boost road safety and reduce travel times for local commuters.
“Narre Warren-Cranbourne Road is a vital connection for the south-east, which is why the Morrison Government is committed to funding this project to help improve congestion and get people home safer and sooner,” Mr Fletcher said.
Victorian Minister for Transport Infrastructure, the Hon Jacinta Allan MP, said the upgrade includes adding an extra lane in each direction between Thompsons Road and the South Gippsland Highway to boost capacity and slash travel times.
“We’re getting on with the Narre Warren-Cranbourne Road upgrade – to make it easier, safer and more accessible for locals to get to where they need to go,” Ms Allan said.
“Major works will get underway this year, with drivers to be the big winners of the project.”
The upgrade will also see the roundabouts at Thompsons Road and Berwick-Cranbourne Road replaced with traffic lights to improve traffic flow. Additional traffic lights will be installed at the South Gippsland Highway intersection, Majestic Boulevard and Lyall Street, as well as at a pedestrian crossing south of Hunt Club Boulevard.
Federal Member for La Trobe and Assistant Minister for Customs, Community Safety and Multicultural Affairs, Jason Wood MP said locals have waited long enough for works to get underway on the Narre Warren-Cranbourne Road Upgrade.
“This project is something I have strongly advocated for as it will ensure locals get home sooner and safer while supporting local construction jobs,” Mr Wood said.
“The south-east of Melbourne is one of the fastest growing areas in the country, with many residents in my electorate of La Trobe spending way too long being stuck in traffic, which is why projects like this are vital.”
Victorian Member for Cranbourne, Pauline Richards MP, said new shared walking and cycling paths will also be developed, along with the installation of safety barriers.
“Locals deserve to have safer and more relaible journeys as they travel along Narre Warren-Cranbourne Road – that’s why we’re adding an extra lane in each direction and upgrading roundabouts to reduce congestion, bring down travel times, and get people home safer and sooner,” Ms Richards said.
“This upgrade also offers a real alternative for north-south travellers and improves access to the south-east’s freeway network.”
The Narre Warren-Cranbourne Road upgrade is expected to be completed by 2025.
Construction continues in the south-east on upgrading Lathams Road, Hallam North Road, Heatherton Road and Golf Links Road.
Media contacts:
Minister Fletcher – Erin Forster | 0448 207 414 | erin.forster@communications.gov.au
Minister Allan – Hayley Bester | 0424 753 775 | hayley.bester@minstaff.vic.gov.au
Reviewed 24 February 2022