Tom Ingleton
Melbourne’s rapidly growing northern suburbs will see a major infrastructure upgrade, with a $125 million investment to improve the Donnybrook Road and Mitchell Street intersection.
The project aims to cut congestion and enhance safety in the area, a critical connection point for residents and commuters.
The upgrade, announced by Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Victorian Transport Infrastructure Minister Gabrielle Williams, at Donnybrook on Monday, March 24, will transform the existing roundabout into a fully signalised intersection with additional lanes.
A new bridge over Kalkallo Creek will also be constructed, alongside the installation of barriers to improve safety for motorists and pedestrians.
The project aims to provide better access to the Hume Freeway and to address the ongoing traffic bottlenecks.
For locals, the upgrade is a long-overdue fix to a daily frustration.
The intersection is a key access point for residents heading to work, school, and local amenities, yet peak-hour gridlock has made travel unpredictable and, at times, unsafe.
The project builds on a dedicated left-turn slip lane introduced in 2023, which has already helped ease congestion and improve freeway access.
Prime Minister Albanese said the federal government is committed to upgrading local roads to improve safety, reduce congestion and cut travel times.
“This investment will make a real difference for people living in Melbourne’s north, ensuring they can get where they need to go faster and safer,” Mr Albanese said.
Hume mayor Jarrod Bell said the investment would be a game changer for Hume’s growing population.
“The upgrade of Donnybrook Road will not only ease congestion but also improve safety, enhance access to jobs and services, and future-proof this critical transport link for the thousands of families who call Melbourne’s north home,” Cr Bell said.
McEwen MP Rob Mitchell welcomed the investment, highlighting the benefits for local commuters.
“Our community deserves the infrastructure to support safer and faster travel, these improvements will provide better access to the Hume Freeway and help alleviate some of the traffic issues in our community.”
