The Australian Government is putting $50 million on the table to get the ball rolling on important upgrade works for the Western Freeway between Melton and Caroline Springs.
This means the stretch of road many locals use every day is a big step closer to getting the improvements it needs.
These pre-construction works are all about laying the groundwork before the heavy machinery arrives. They involve detailed planning and design, as well as teams out on-site checking ground conditions. This helps make sure everything is ready for a smooth and safe construction phase, with as little disruption as possible to people's daily commutes. These are the final steps before construction can officially kick off and locals start seeing boots on the ground.
The pre-construction works are funded as part of the Australian Government's commitment to invest $1 billion in upgrades to the Western Freeway between Melton and Caroline Springs, and build on a business case, jointly funded by both the Australian and Victorian Governments, to determine the priority upgrades funded through the Commonwealth's $1 billion investment.
More than 86,000 vehicles travel between Melton and Caroline Springs on the Western Freeway every day. As the population in Melbourne's west continues to boom, that figure is expected to rise to approximately 113,000 by 2031.
The Melton to Caroline Springs upgrade will improve capacity and safety along this key route for passengers and freight.
Pre-construction works began in April. This phase will inform the next round of funding decisions and construction timeframes for upgrades along the corridor.
To ensure Melbourne's west is served by the roads and rail upgrades it needs, the Albanese and Allan Labor Governments have also announced $152.7 million in joint funding to undertake development works to support the future electrification of the Melton Line.
Quotes attributable to Federal Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government Catherine King:
"The Australian and Victorian Labor Governments are working together to deliver this vital upgrade for Melbourne's west.
"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 population of Melbourne's west has been booming, but the Liberals starved Victoria of the funding needed to build key infrastructure. The Albanese Government is investing in the roads and rail Victoria needs, in partnership with the Victorian Government."
Quotes attributable to Federal Member for Hawke Sam Rae:
"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."
Quotes attributable to Federal Member for Gorton Alice Jordan-Baird:
"Our community deserves infrastructure that keeps pace with our growing suburbs in Melbourne's west.
"The Western Freeway is already at capacity in peak times, and this investment is another step towards getting the upgrades our community needs."
Quotes attributable to Victorian Member for Kororoit Luba Grigorovitch:
"As Melbourne's west continues to grow, these works will help pave the way for future upgrades that keep people moving safely and support the needs of local communities for years to come."
Quotes attributable to Victorian Member for Melton Steve McGhie:
"This investment is an important step toward future upgrades along the Western Freeway that will improve safety, boost capacity and deliver more reliable journeys for families in Melbourne's west."
