The Albanese and Allan Labor Governments today announced an upgrade to the intersection of Northern Highway (High Street) and Watson Street in Wallan - helping provide smoother journeys, improved travel times and increased safety for drivers in Melbourne's north.
The Northern Highway Intersection Upgrade will see additional lanes built on the Northern Highway in both directions at the intersection of High Street and Watson Street, and a second right-turn lane from Watson Street into the Wallan township, making it easier for drivers to move through the area.
This project is part of the Watson Street Interchange Upgrade, which will deliver new entry and exit ramps to create a full diamond interchange where Watson Street meets the Hume Freeway.
The ramps will give locals new connections to the Hume Freeway, helping them avoid congestion where the Northern Highway intersects the Hume Highway further south.
The new ramps at the Hume Highway south of Watson Street and now the intersection upgrade at Watson Street and the Northern Highway (High Street) will significantly improve access for people travelling in, out of and around Wallan.
Pedestrians and cyclists will also benefit from the upgrade, with the existing shared-use path along Watson Street upgraded, and new street lighting and signage to be installed.
Early works on the Northern Highway Intersection will be delivered by Ace Infrastructure and are scheduled to begin next month, with major construction expected to start by April this year. This announcement comes as major works begin this week at the Watson Street Interchange Upgrade.
The $175 million Watson Street Interchange Upgrade and Northern Highway Intersection Upgrade works are funded with a $90 million commitment from the Albanese Labor Government and an $85 million commitment from the Allan Labor Government.
For more information about this project visit: www,bigbuild.vic.gov.au.
As stated by Federal Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government Catherine King:
"Whether you're passing through Wallan, or picking up the kids from school, the completion of these major upgrades will mean less time in the car and a safer journey."
As stated by Victorian Minister for Transport Infrastructure Gabrielle Williams:
"This is a much-needed upgrade that will make daily life easier for thousands of locals - easing congestion, improving safety and keeping people in Wallan and Melbourne's growing north moving for years to come."
As stated by Federal Member for McEwen Rob Mitchell:
"For too long we have battled the bottleneck getting to and from the freeway and around Wallan and this investment, along with the ramps, will cut travel times, improve safety and deliver the modern road connections our growing community deserves."
As stated by State Member for Kalkallo Ros Spence:
"Creating the full diamond interchange offers motorists entry and exits closer to home, meaning they're spending less time stuck in traffic every day."
As stated by State Member for Yan Yean Lauren Kathage:
"The investment in both projects highlights Labor's commitment to delivering the infrastructure communities in Melbourne's north need and deserve."
