Early work has begun on the upgrade of the M80 Ring Road between Sydney and Edgars roads.
The $518 million upgrade will add new lanes on the four-kilometre stretch of the M80, as well as new entry and exit ramps to improve safety and reduce weaving.
The section is the fifth part of the M80 to be upgraded.
Workers have begun geotechnical investigations and inspections of the project site.
Federal Population, Cities and Urban Infrastructure Minister Alan Tudge said the upgrade would provide northern suburbs motorists with safer and more reliable journeys.
He said more than 165,000 cars and 22,000 trucks use the road daily.
“Victorians know how busy the M80 Ring Road can be during peak hour, and we’re thrilled preliminary construction has begun to make it better and safer,” Mr Tudge said.
Mr Tudge said the upgrade would enhance connections to the Hume Freeway, Princes and West Gate Freeways, and the future North East Link and West Gate Tunnel.
Construction is expected to start in the middle of this year and be completed by early 2023.
The freeway will remain open during peak periods to minimise disruption.
