Drivers in Melbourne's south-east can look forward to a faster and less congested commute, thanks to the Healesville-Koo Wee Rup Road Upgrade.
The contract to deliver the project has been awarded to Seymour Whyte and McConnell Dowell, with early works already underway and major construction scheduled to begin later this year.
The project forms part of a $2.27 billion Suburban Roads Upgrade - South Eastern Roads and Northern Roads package to upgrade suburban roads across the south-eastern and northern parts of Melbourne.
The Australian and Victorian governments are contributing $1.1 billion each for the package.
Federal Minister for Communications, Urban Infrastructure, Cities and the Arts, the Hon Paul Fletcher MP, said the Healesville-Koo Wee Rup Road Upgrade will improve safety and help reduce travel times for the tens of thousands of motorists that rely on this busy key route every day.
"The Australian Government is committed to delivering this project - which will make it easier and more accessible for motorists to get to where they need to go," Mr Fletcher said.
"Healesville-Koo Wee Rup Road is a vital connection for the south-east, and this upgrade will provide a huge benefit for the area, while also creating local jobs."
Victorian Minister for Transport Infrastructure, the Hon Jacinta Allan MP, said the upgrade includes duplicating the road from two to four lanes from the Princes Highway to Manks Road, as well duplications from two to four lanes from the Princess Freeway to Soldiers Road, and Soldiers Road to Manks Road.
"We're getting on with the Healesville-Koo Wee Rup Road Upgrade - to reduce congestion, bring down travel times and boost safety in the area," Ms Allan said.
"Major works will commence this year, with the benefits of the project to be felt right across the growing south-east suburbs."
Federal Member for La Trobe, the Hon Jason Wood MP, said the upgrade will also see new roundabouts constructed at Ballarto Road, Hall Road and south of Deep Creek, as well as new traffic lights at Greenhills Road and the installation of safety barriers.
"The project also includes the widening of two existing roundabouts and two new bridges over Deep Creek, which is fantastic news for the community - and will ensure locals can get home sooner and safer," Mr Wood said.
"Importantly, the works ensure a new shared walking and cycling path will be developed, which will introduce a new link to the south-east walking and cycling network to bolster access."
Victorian Member for Bass, Jordan Crugnale MP, said improving safety and easing congestion in the area is the main priority - with locals to benefit most from the upgrade.
"The community understands how frustrating being stuck in traffic along Healesville-Koo Wee Rup Road is - that's why we're adding an extra lane in each direction, building new bridges and adding road safety features to boost safety and ease congestion in the area," Ms Crugnale said.
"Whether it's travelling to the shops, work or an event - we're delivering this vital upgrade to benefit all locals and make it easier for them to travel."
The Healesville-Koo Wee Rup Road Upgrade is expected to be completed by 2025.
Media contacts:
Minister Fletcher: Erin Forster | 0448 207 414 | [email protected]
Minister Allan: Hayley Bester | 0424 753 775 | [email protected]
