The upgrade to Melbourne’s Monash Freeway will begin in September 2016 and preliminary works will be undertaken on the freeway’s shoulders to allow extra space, reducing traffic disruption during construction.
Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews and Victorian Minister for Roads Luke Donnellan announced the start of works to ease congestion for the 200,000 motorists that use the Monash Freeway every day.
Motorists will see preliminary works on the freeway’s shoulders to make the road smoother and allow extra space to reduce the number of traffic disruptions while the upgrade is taking place.
Providing the extra space will allow the current number of lanes to remain open during peak times when more disruptive work begins. Construction times will be staged to avoid major disruption to motorists.
“We’re getting on with widening the Monash to slash travel times and create hundreds of new Victorian jobs,” Mr Andrews said.
“This project means a safer, less congested Monash – getting Victorians home safer and sooner every day.”
Mr Donnellan said, “Widening the Monash Freeway will make the journey faster, more reliable and safer for all motorists.”
“We’re working to minimise traffic disruptions, with the majority of works being undertaken at night or in the centre median, however we do suggest you allow extra travel time when planning your journey.”
In mid-late October 2016, concrete barriers will be installed down the centre median on both sides of the freeway to aid motorist and worker safety.
The majority of works to strengthen and widen bridges, build the extra lanes and install the final safety barriers will be done behind these concrete barriers.
The upgrade will see more than 30km of extra lanes while minimising the impact of construction on motorists.
It will address major bottlenecks by adding a lane in each direction between EastLink and Clyde Road in Berwick, along with smart technology and ramp upgrades, improve traffic flow and increase safety for motorists.
The project will create more than 400 jobs during construction, as part of the Victorian Government’s transport infrastructure pipeline.
