Drivers in Melbourne’s north are a step closer to a safer and less congested trip home, with work set to begin on stage one of the O’Herns Road Upgrade.
The Australian and Victorian Governments today announced the contract for the first stage of the $81 million project has been awarded to Maca Civil Pty Ltd.
Federal Minister for Urban Infrastructure Paul Fletcher said the first stage of the project was the O’Herns Road and High Street intersection upgrade.
“Melbourne’s north is one of the fastest-growing regions in the country and the Australian Government is committed to delivering infrastructure to connect communities,” Mr Fletcher said.
Victorian Minister for Roads and Road Safety Luke Donnellan said the upgrade will reduce congestion on key arterial roads like Cooper Street, Epping Road, High Street and Miller Street.
“Stage one of this vital project will improve traffic flow in the northern suburbs and create more than 40 local jobs,” Mr Donnellan said.
Victorian Member for Mill Park Lily D’Ambrosio said the upgrade would benefit thousands of drivers.
“We’re reducing traffic queues and easing congestion for the more than 30,000 drivers who rely on the O’Herns Road and High Street intersection every day,” Ms D’Ambrosio said.
Victorian Member for Thomastown Bronwyn Halfpenny said local residents have been campaigning to replace this roundabout with traffic lights for years.
“The new traffic lights will be linked to the Epping Fire Station, allowing our firefighters to get on the road quickly and safely during an emergency,” Ms Halfpenny said.
Victorian Senator James Paterson said the project, to which the Turnbull Government is contributing almost $26 million, was expected to be completed by late 2019.
“This project will not only help motorists to get home sooner, it will also unlock opportunities for businesses in the region,” Senator Paterson said.
The second stage of the project includes building a new interchange at O’Herns Road to provide easier access to the Hume Freeway.
The interchange will feature new on and off ramps, providing a direct route to the Melbourne CBD, and improved connections to suburbs including Epping, Wollert and Craigieburn.
O’Herns Road will also be duplicated to four lanes between the Hume Freeway and Redding Rise to provide drivers with faster access to the new interchange.
Reviewed 19 August 2020