More relief is on the way for drivers in the south east, with the Andrews Labor Government getting early works underway on the second stage of the Monash Freeway Upgrade.
Premier Daniel Andrews joined Minister for Roads Luke Donnellan today to announce the start of early works in Narre Warren.
The second stage of the Monash Freeway Upgrade – part of the Labor Government’s investment in the rapidly growing outer south eastern suburbs – will add 36 kilometres of new lanes and is expected to save drivers an additional nine minutes in travel time when complete.
Smart on-road technology will be installed from the South Gippsland Freeway to the Beaconsfield Interchange, giving drivers live traffic information and managing lanes to get people where they need to go faster and safer.
The business case for the $711 million project shows a cost-benefit-ratio of 4.6 to 1, with the project set to create 600 jobs during construction. The business case has been approved by the Federal Government and will be released in the coming days.
Early geotechnical work on Stage Two of the project has been brought forward using $111 million that the Labor Government saved by delivering Stage One of the project significantly under budget.
Drilling is taking place primarily on the Monash Freeway between the South Gippsland Freeway and Cardinia Road to review the ground conditions of where overhead Lane Use Management system gantries will be installed.
The Labor Government has also announced that it will permanently ban trucks from the right-hand lane of the Monash, following a successful six-month trial to improve safety
Since the trial ban was introduced crashes have reduced by almost 40 percent.
Restrictions will continue to apply to trucks travelling in both directions between Huntingdale Road, Mount Waverley and Jacksons Road, Noble Park.
The second stage of the Monash Freeway Upgrade will cost $711 million and is being jointly funded with the Federal Government. Construction of the new lanes will start next year, with completion expected in mid-2022.
Quotes attributable to Premier Daniel Andrews
“We said we’d deliver the first stage of this massive upgrade of the Monash, and we have. Now, we’re not wasting a moment getting on with the next stage of works so we can get more people where they need to be sooner.”
“Whether it’s removing dangerous level crossings, building the Metro Tunnel or upgrading the Monash – only Labor is delivering the congestion busting infrastructure projects that Victorians need.”
Quotes attributable to Minister for Roads and Road Safety Luke Donnellan
“Early works are underway, the business case has been ticked off and we’ve shortlisted contractors to build this massive project – we’re getting on with the second stage of the Monash Freeway Upgrade.”
“These right lane truck bans are reducing crashes, improving traffic flow and helping the 200,000 drivers that rely on the Monash to get home safely.”
Reviewed 19 August 2020