Michaela Meade
An upgrade to Craigieburn Road is a step closer, with a construction company awarded the contract for the project.
The state and federal governments last week announced that Fulton Hogan was appointed to build the project.
They will partner with Major Road Projects Victoria for the upgrade.
The project is jointly funded by the federal and state governments.
Yuroke MP Ros Spence said the partnership between Fulton Hogan and Major Road Projects Victoria will mean the upgrade will be delivered sooner.
“Projects like this are crucial to our economic recovery as we work with the local construction industry to create much-needed local jobs and get shovels in the ground as quickly as possible,” Ms Spence said.
The state government said extra lanes will be added in each direction on Craigieburn Road between Mickleham Road and the Hume Highway.
Traffic lights will replace roundabouts at Mickleham Road, Waterview Boulevard and Hardy Avenue.
Transport Infrastructure Minister Jacinta Allan said the project will improve connections to the growing residential, commercial precincts and public transport services in Craigieburn.
“Melbourne’s north is one of the fastest growing regions in Australia, which is why we’re investing $18 billion into the area’s road and rail networks as part of Victoria’s Big Build,” Ms Allan said.
Communications, Urban Infrastructure, Cities and the Arts Minister Paul Fletcher said the upgrade will boost capacity and cut travel times for the over 28,000 drivers who rely on the road daily.
“Craigieburn Road is a critical link for the community in Melbourne’s north, and this upgrade will help reduce congestion and improve traffic flow for the thousands of people who travel through this area daily,” Mr Fletcher said.
Construction is expected to start in the second half of this year, with the project expected to be completed by 2025.
