The Australian and Victorian Governments are collaborating to enhance road safety and connectivity across Melbourne and Victoria. This partnership is seeing the rollout of significant road improvement projects that promise to benefit both urban and regional areas.
According to Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, “My Government is building Australia’s future – and that means building Victoria’s future too. We want to make sure all Victorians have the services and the infrastructure they need now and into the future.” Albanese outlined the importance of these upgrades for local jobs, businesses, and commuters, emphasizing their role in easing congestion.
The current focus includes two new road projects intended for the south-east of Melbourne. The first project is aimed at upgrading the Nepean Highway and Overton Road intersection. This upgrade will involve the installation of traffic signals and enhanced footpath connectivity to the existing Kananook Creek Trail. These improvements are expected to make the roads safer for motorists, pedestrians, and cyclists alike.
The second project involves the McLeod Road and Mornington Peninsula Freeway intersection. It will provide enhancements supportive of journeys between the south-east suburbs and the coast, increasing connectivity for locals.
Federal Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development, and Local Government, Catherine King, stated emphatically, “We’re fixing roads right across Victoria; from Ararat to Gippsland to Melbourne. These will be transformative projects for Melbourne’s south-east.” She noted that the funds will help improve network efficiency, travel times, and road safety in crucial areas around Melbourne.
This initiative is part of the Australian Government’s broader $1 billion Road Blitz program, which is designed to match the existing near-billion-dollar road blitz instituted by the Victorian Government. The latter has pledged an additional $200 million on top of its substantial investment.
Jacinta Allan, the Victorian Premier, reinforced the importance of these projects, stating, “As a local who travels frequently across our community, I know this investment will make a major difference for pedestrians and road users. Only the Albanese Labor Government is continuing to invest in roads and infrastructure in our local community.”
These road improvements are not confined to Melbourne. The Albanese Government has also considered regional needs through its Safer Local Roads and Infrastructure Program (SLRIP), which allocates resources to councils across the state. For example, Swan Hill is set to receive almost $5 million specifically for the reconstruction of Karinie Street. This project includes essential elements such as drainage improvements, kerb and channel replacement, and the installation of an all-abilities shared-path.
In Leongatha South, the South Gippsland Shire Council has been earmarked to receive $2.4 million to relocate the Simons Lane intersection to enhance safety. Additional projects funded by SLRIP include $878,080 to widen Banyena Pimpinio Road in Murtoa, and $5 million for Greater Shepparton City Council. The latter will upgrade the Goulburn Valley Highway and Hawkins Street intersection.
Moreover, the Albanese Government is boosting its support for the Princes Highway with an additional $2.6 million allocated to safety upgrades and another $2 million for intersection upgrades from Pakenham to Beaconsfield. These enhancements are vital as the Princes Highway serves as a key route for both people and freight across Victoria.
With a total of $200 million available each year through SLRIP, the Albanese Government aims to ensure that local councils can efficiently manage their road improvement initiatives without an excessive administrative burden. This program is deeply rooted in a commitment to fostering safer and more productive road infrastructures designed to connect communities.
The combined efforts of the Australian and Victorian Governments are set to reshape the transportation landscape in Victoria significantly. As more homes are built in rapidly growing communities, investment in transport infrastructure not only aims to alleviate traffic congestion but also to support both economic growth and community wellbeing.
As these projects roll out, stakeholders are expressing optimism about the tangible enhancements that are expected to come from these significant investments. “Every Victorian wants to spend less time stuck in traffic and more time with family – that’s why we’re delivering major road upgrades,” stated Jacinta Allan, underscoring the campaign to secure a future with enhanced connectivity.
The eyes of local communities are firmly set on these developments as the initiatives progress, promising a brighter future for Victoria's roads.
