- Published:
- Thursday 25 October 2018
Major construction on the second stage of the Monash Freeway Upgrade is another step closer with tenders now requested from three shortlisted contractors.
LendLease Engineering, CPB Constructions and John Holland Pty Ltd will now submit tenders for the $711 million second stage of the Monash Freeway Upgrade ahead of major construction starting next year.
Minister for Cities, Urban Infrastructure and Population Alan Tudge said the project will bust congestion along one of Melbourne’s busiest freeway corridors.
“Drivers across Melbourne’s south east will experience better travel times when this project is delivered – that’s why we’re getting on with the work which will allow major construction to get underway,” Mr Tudge said.
The upgrade will add 36 kilometres of new lanes between Warrigal Road and Eastlink and from Clyde Road to Cardinia Road.
Victorian Minister for Roads and Road Safety Luke Donnellan said the project will enable drivers to get to their destinations more quickly.
“By adding extra lanes where they’re needed most, drivers will save nine minutes off a peak hour trip between Pakenham and the city,” Mr Donnellan said.
New intelligent transport technology will be rolled out along the freeway corridor which Federal Member for La Trobe Jason Wood said will enhance safety for drivers.
“Smart, on-road technology will be installed from the South Gippsland Freeway to the Beaconsfield interchange, giving drivers live traffic information and better lane management during incidents to ensure safe and reliable journeys,” Mr Wood said.
“The project includes the upgrade of the Beaconsfield Interchange and the extension of O’Shea Road in Berwick, which would greatly benefit residents in the south east,” Mr Wood said.
Victorian Member for Oakleigh Steve Dimopoulos said the upgrade would be good for drivers and good for the Victorian economy.
“This project will support another 600 jobs during construction, many of those employed by local contractors and supported by local businesses,” Mr Dimopoulos said.
The upgrade also includes a new separated road connection from Jacksons Road to EastLink and a new signalised entry ramp from Police Road onto the freeway.
There will be more links to the freeway via an upgraded Beaconsfield Interchange which will connect to a duplicated and extended O’Shea Road.
Construction of the new lanes will start next year, with completion expected in mid-2022.
The total project cost of the second stage of the Monash Freeway Upgrade is $711 million and is being jointly funded, with the Australian Government committing $500 million and the Victorian Government committing $211 million.
The project is being delivered by Victoria’s Major Road Projects Authority.