The second stage of the O’Herns Road Upgrade in Epping has commenced construction, making the roads in Melbourne’s north safer.
The Australian and Victorian Governments are investing $103 million in the upgrade, which will improve traffic flow and reduce travel times for tens of thousands of drivers who use the road every day.
The upgrade includes three new intersections with traffic lights, creating better north-south connections between Cooper Street and O’Herns Road, an interchange providing direct access to the Hume Freeway, and new lanes in each direction on the Hume Freeway and O’Herns Road.
Construction has been given the green light, following federal environmental approvals and the contract being awarded to VEC Civil Engineering.
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Development, Michael McCormack, said the O’Herns Road Upgrade would transform the way residents move across Melbourne’s north.
“We’re widening roads and improving access to the freeway, helping traffic to flow freely,” Mr McCormack said
“This is all part of the Federal Government’s $100 billion pipeline of infrastructure projects over the next decade to bust congestion and get motorists home to their families sooner and safer.”
Federal Minister for Population, Cities and Urban Infrastructure, Alan Tudge, said the upgrade was a great example of governments working together to bust congestion.
“We promised Victorians that we would be getting on with the job and bust congestion, and this is exactly what we are doing,” Mr Tudge said.
Victorian Minister for Transport Infrastructure, Jacinta Allan, said the project would improve connections right across Melbourne’s north, encouraging economic and jobs growth.
“This project will help people who live and work here get home sooner and safer, while creating new opportunities for local businesses,” Ms Allan said.
“It’s a huge win for the local community who’ll spend less time stuck in traffic and more time doing the things they love.”
Senator for Victoria, James Paterson, said drivers are already enjoying smoother, more reliable journeys around Epping, following the completion of the first stage of the project.
“By 2031, the number of drivers in the area is expected to grow to 50,000 per day – so the start of works on Stage 2 couldn’t come at a better time,” Mr Paterson said.
Victorian Member for Thomastown, Bronwyn Halfpenny, said that travel times have already been improved thanks to stage one of the works.
“The new traffic lights at the O’Herns Road and High Street intersection has streamlined traffic flow and reduced queuing for the 30,000 drivers who use the intersection every day,” Ms Halfpenny said.
Activities have commenced on site in preparation for major construction, which is due to start in the coming weeks.
The project is being delivered by Major Road Projects Victoria and is expected to be complete by mid-2021.
