The Victorian Government has announced the first stage of the billion dollar upgrade of Melbourne’s M80 has been completed, connecting Sydney Road and the Calder Freeway.

Federal Infrastructure Minister, Anthony Albanese, said that the project involved the widening of the 10.7 kilometre section to at least six lanes to improve traffic flow.

“The work now underway along this vital commuter and freight route is part of our unprecedented capital works program which is modernising both Melbourne’s road and rail infrastructure,” Mr Albanese said.

“Indeed, as well as upgrading the M80, we’ve also partnered with the Victorian Coalition Government to build the Regional Rail Link, the biggest public transport project now underway anywhere in the country.

“But we know there’s more to do. That’s why in this month’s Federal Budget we set aside a further $525 million in new money to upgrade and widen the last sections of the M80 as part of our next Nation Building Program. That allocation takes total Federal investment in this road to more than $1.4 billion.”

The current M80 Upgrade is being jointly funded by the Federal ($900 million) and Victorian ($300 million) Governments, with this package of works expected to be completed by the middle of next year.