The next stage of the $711 million Monash Free Upgrade will soon see shortlisted contractors invited to submit delivery tenders.
The tender shortlist includes industry leaders such as LendLease Engineering, CPB Contractors and John Holland Pty Ltd.
Stage 2 will see 36 km of new lanes, running from Pakenham to Chadstone, with the additional implementation of new on-road technology that will allow drivers to access real-time traffic information in an easy fashion.
Steve Dimopoulos, Victorian Member for Oakleigh, said that the new technology will give drivers better insight on driving conditions while delivering enhanced traffic data metrics to the community.
“We will be installing smart, on-road technology from the South Gippsland Freeway to the Beaconsfield Interchange, which will give drivers live traffic information and better lane management during incidents to ensure safe and reliable journeys,” Mr Dimopoulos said.
“With work wrapped up on the first stage of the Monash Freeway Upgrade, we will now be supporting another 600 jobs during the construction of the second stage,” said Mr Jason Wood, Federal Member for La Trobe.
Luke Donnellan, Victorian Minister for Roads and Road Safety, highlighted the importance of the extra lanes in combating congestion times across Melbourne.
“By adding extra lanes where they're needed, drivers will spend nine minutes less time stuck in traffic during a peak hour trip from Pakenham to the city,” Minister Donnellan said.
The jointly funded project sees the Victorian Government committing $211 million alongside the Federal Government’s commitment of $500 million.
“This will drastically improve travel times for more drivers in Melbourne's south east,” said Alan Tudge, Minister for Cities, Urban Infrastructure and Population.
According to the Government’s announcement, key activities will include:
- Adding an extra lane outbound between Warrigal Road and EastLink.
- Adding an additional inbound lane from EastLink to Springvale Road.
- Expanding the Monash Freeway from four to six lanes between Clyde Road and Cardinia Road.
- Adding a new separated road connection from Jacksons Road to EastLink.
- Installing a new signalised entry ramp from Police Road onto the freeway.
- Adding more links to the freeway, including an upgraded Beaconsfield Interchange that connects to O'Shea Road.
Construction will begin next year, with a mid-2022 completion date.
Source: Australian Government
