Melbourne’s troubled roads will receive a $38.5 million upgrade through a partnership between the federal and state governments.
As the federal election approaches, the Albanese Labor government is increasing infrastructure commitments by announcing three additional projects under its $1.2 billion (US$754 million) Road Blitz initiative.
The newly announced upgrades on April 1 aim to alleviate congestion, enhance road safety, and support Melbourne’s rapidly expanding suburbs.
In partnership with the Victorian Labor government, three projects will receive a total of $38.5 million to address some of Melbourne’s most problematic roads.
The largest allocation of $25 million will be allocated to planning and development at the Five-Ways intersection in Warrandyte South.
Government estimates indicate that this upgrade will significantly reduce congestion and improve safety for the 8,000 vehicles that pass through the intersection daily, which has seen five crashes between 2020 and 2024.
Further south, $10 million is set aside for planning improvements at the High Street Road and Mowbray Drive intersection in Wantirna South.
A significant portion of the funding will be dedicated to early development of a new signalised T-intersection that will enhance safety for vehicles, pedestrians, and cyclists while improving connectivity to the Blind Creek Trail.
In Croydon North, $3.5 million will be utilized to create a business case for upgrading the Maroondah Highway and Yarra Road intersection.
With five schools in the vicinity, Yarra Road often experiences heavy congestion during school drop-off and pick-up times.
The project aims to identify solutions to improve traffic flow, enhance safety, and increase pedestrian accessibility, especially on Kent Avenue.
Minister for Infrastructure and Transport Catherine King emphasized that the initiative aims to deliver much-needed improvements to Victorian roads that have long been overdue.
Melbourne: Key Battleground in Election
On April 1, it was announced that a Coalition government would prioritize the Melbourne Airport Rail Link if elected in May.
This commitment will mean redirecting $2.2 billion in federal funding previously allocated for Victoria’s Suburban Rail Loop.
Highlighting Melbourne’s importance in shaping the election outcome, Dutton described the city as a critical battleground.
“I think there are more seats at play in Melbourne and, you know, right across Victoria, to be honest, than probably any other state,” Dutton told ABC Radio Melbourne. “I think it will be decisive on election night.”
Currently, Labor controls 24 of the state’s 38 House of Representatives seats, while the Coalition controls 11.
However, recent electoral boundary changes and growing voter frustration with the state Labor government could reshape the political landscape.
