Southbound traffic is now flowing freely along the full length of the upgraded Epping Road, marking a major milestone in one of Melbourne’s most significant infrastructure projects.
Crews officially moved vehicles onto the final stretch of new southbound lanes – between Findon Road and Memorial Avenue – on Thursday, June 18, in what Major Road Projects Victoria (MRPV) has declared the “biggest milestone yet” in the $131 million Epping Road Upgrade.
“Moving traffic onto the final section of the new southbound lanes marks a significant milestone, with half of the new and upgraded lanes on Epping Road and High Street now complete,” MRVP program director Dipal Sorathia said.
“We’re progressing with major works on the northbound side, improving travel for drivers in Melbourne’s north.”
Over the course of the works, crews have shifted an eye-watering 40,000 cubic metres of material – enough to fill 16 Olympic sized swimming pools – and laid down 199,000 cubic metres of material including mudstone, crushed rock, and asphalt.
Add to that nearly 13 kilometres of kerb, almost 3 kilometres of guard rail and over 1,000 cubic metres of concrete, and the scale of the project becomes clear.
The upgrade, stretching 4km between Craigieburn Road and Memorial Avenue, also includes six revamped intersections and improved pedestrian and cycling paths.
According to MRPV,t he project will eventually benefit 35,000 drivers daily.
But while the southbound lanes are done, the work isn’t over.
Crews have shifted traffic to one lane in each direction as construction ramps up on the northbound side. This includes intersection upgrades at Young, Hall and Park streets, which are closed until November, with detours in place.
“We appreciate the community’s patience as we continue working to deliver safer , smoother journeys for all the road’s users,” Mr Sorathia added.
Delivered by Major Road Projects Victoria in partnership with Mcconnell Dowell, the Epping Road Upgrade is on track for completion in late 2025.
For ongoing updates and traffic alerts, visit bigbuild.vic.gov.au/epping.
