The transformation of the Monash Freeway has reached another milestone, with expressions of interest now underway to build the $711 million second stage of the project.
Federal Minister for Urban Infrastructure and Cities Paul Fletcher said motorists make more than 470,000 trips on the corridor each day – and this project will make those trips quicker and easier by adding 36 kilometres of new lanes to the freeway.
“This project will slash congestion and improve travel times for drivers across Melbourne’s south east,” Mr Fletcher said.
“Delivering more lanes where they’re needed most, as well as upgrading entry and exit ramps, will better link the community around Beaconsfield and deliver a duplicated O’Shea Road.
“The freeway will be widened between Warrigal Road and Eastlink and between Clyde Road and Cardinia Road, cutting an estimated nine minutes off a peak-hour trip between Pakenham and the city.”
Victorian Minister for Roads, Road Safety and Ports Luke Donnellan said new technology would be used to make it safer, easier and quicker to access Melbourne’s growing south eastern suburbs.
“Early works will be fast-tracked over the coming months, starting with the installation of smart on-road technology and overhead lane use and speed signs further along the Monash Freeway,” Mr Donnellan said.
“This technology will help better manage large volumes of traffic and provide drivers with live lane use and traffic information to deliver a safer and more reliable journey.”
Federal Member for La Trobe Jason Wood said the project includes the upgrade of the Beaconsfield Interchange and the extension of O’Shea Road in Berwick, which would greatly benefit residents in the southeast.
“This is going to deliver smoother and safer commutes for my community, ensuring people get from work to home sooner so they can spend less time in traffic and more time with the family,” Mr Wood said.
Victorian Member for Southern Metropolitan Region Gavin Jennings said drivers would benefit from better connections from the Monash Freeway to arterial roads and Eastlink.
“This project will connect Police Road to the Monash Freeway and link Jacksons Road directly to Eastlink with a new separated road – making it easier for people to get where they need to go.”
Stage 1 of the Monash Freeway Upgrade between EastLink and Clyde Road is nearing completion. New lanes were opened in early May and new overhead freeway technology was installed in early June.
The Australian Government is contributing $500 million to the Monash Freeway Upgrade Stage 2 with the Victorian Government contributing the remainder.
Major construction on the project is scheduled to start in mid-2019 and is expected to be completed in early 2022, weather permitting.
Reviewed 19 August 2020