Money to get ready for freeway upgrade

FIFTY million dollars has been allocated to help begin an upgrade of the Western Freeway between Melton and Caroline Springs.

The federal government has assigned the money for pre-construction works such as detailed planning and design as well as on-site inspections. It will allow for safe construction and little disruption as possible to daily commutes.

This pre-construction period is part of a $1 billion commitment from the federal government for upgrades to that stretch of freeway.

Both federal and state governments have developed a business case on the priorities for the Commonwealth’s investment.

More than 86,000 vehicles travel along the freeway between those two suburbs every day. That number is expected to increase to about 113,000 by 2031.

Pre-construction works began last month. This pre-construction period will inform the next funding decisions and construction timeframes for the corridor.

“The Australian and Victorian Labor governments are working together to deliver this vital upgrade for Melbourne’s west,” federal infrastructure minister Catherine King said.

“We are getting money out the door and detailed planning underway, so we can get this project to a point where it is construction-ready and we can start building.”

The federal and state governments have also announced $152.7 million in joint funding to undertake development works to support the future electrification of the Melton Line.

“The Albanese government is investing in the roads and rail Victoria needs, in partnership with the Victorian government,” King said.

Federal Member for Hawke Sam Rae said: “This latest funding commitment is an important step forward for the Western Freeway upgrade, a project our community has long needed.

“I look forward to seeing it deliver real, lasting improvements for local families.”