The Andrews Labor Government has delivered on its first election commitment, putting Victoria's biggest ever road project – North East Link – out to market this morning.
We said that North East Link would start on Monday if we won Saturday's election, and that's exactly what we've done.
The Labor Government has North East Link out to market, calling for expressions of interest from builders to widen the Eastern Freeway, construct the 6 kilometre tunnel, and give local roads back to local residents.
Builders are invited to apply to deliver the $200 million early works package, expected to get underway in 2020, once environmental and planning approvals are in place.
Contracts for the early works package will be signed towards the end of 2019.
Builders are also being sought for the $7-9 billion primary package that will involve the construction of the tunnels. This procurement process will take more than 18 months to complete.
North East Link will create 10,300 jobs during construction and deliver $1.30 to the Victorian economy for every dollar invested.
Once built, the missing link between the Eastern Freeway and the M80 Ring Road will take 15,000 trucks off local roads and cut travel times by up to 30 minutes.
Upgrades to the Eastern Freeway will streamline traffic, reduce congestion and reduce travel times, and the new Doncaster Busway will deliver 30 percent travel time savings for buses.
Most importantly, the project will give local roads back to local people – taking 32,000 vehicles per day off Greensborough Road, 14,000 off Fitzsimons Lane, 9,000 off Rosanna Road and 8,000 off Manningham Road.
North East Link has been talked about for more than 50 years and only Labor will deliver it. Construction will start in 2020 and North East Link will open in 2027.
As stated by Premier Daniel Andrews
"We said that we'd take this project to the election and let Victorians make up their mind – the people have spoken and North East Link starts today."
As stated by Treasurer Tim Pallas
"This project has been talked about for 50 years and I'm so proud to be a part of the Government that will deliver it."
As stated by Member for Bundoora Colin Brooks
"North East Link will take 15,000 trucks off local roads in our community and provide a long term solution to traffic congestion on our roads."
As stated by Member for Ivanhoe Anthony Carbines
"People that use Rosanna Road have waited for this project for decades – now we're getting on with the job to deliver North East Link."
As stated by Member for Eltham Vicki Ward
"People have put their faith in us to keep on delivering for this community and we won't let them down – North East Link will provide the long term relief that people on Fitzsimons Lane need."
