Early works are now underway on the duplication and upgrade of Healesville-Kooweerup Road.
The contract to deliver the project has been awarded to Seymour Whyte and McConnell Dowell, with major construction scheduled to begin later this year and the works expected to be completed by 2025.
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 Paul Fletcher said the Healesville-Kooweerup 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-Kooweerup 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 Jacinta Allan, said the upgrade includes duplicating the road from two to four lanes from the Princes Highway to Manks Road.
“We’re getting on with the Healesville-Kooweerup 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.”
La Trobe MP Jason Wood 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.”
Bass MP Jordan Crugnale 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.”
