$3.3B injection announced for VIC infrastructure

The Federal Government has announced an additional investment of $3.3 billion for new road and rail projects in Victoria.

The Federal Government will partner with the Victorian Government to deliver works aided by this additional funding, with the works pipeline aiming to boost economic growth, improve connectivity and tackle congestion on suburban roads.

The development of the Sunshine Station will receive an additional $2 billion as part of this announcement, which forms part of the Federal and Victorian government’s’ commitment to build the Melbourne Airport Rail. This also forms part of the wider Suburban Rail Loop project.

This funding will also go towards track, bridge and signalling improvements to enable future upgrades to service Melbourne’s north and west, including enabling the commencement of work on the electrification of the Melton Line.

Together, both government’s will also will invest $1.2 billion ($1 billion from Federal and $200 million from State government) in a Suburban Road Blitz; a new package of works to increase capacity and improve efficiency in growth areas surrounding Melbourne.

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Under this funding, the first phase of works to be completed will be upgrades/construction of Old Sydney Road Upgrade, Wallan ($45 million), Evans Road Upgrade between Duff Street and Central Parkway in Cranbourne West ($30 million) and McLeod Rd and Station Street Intersection Upgrade, Carrum ($3 million).

Federal Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government Catherine King said additional funding and projects will be decided in consultation with the Victorian Government.

“Delivering vital upgrades to Sunshine Station and road congestion hotspots will support Melbourne’s growing population by allowing them to move faster and more safely around the city and its suburbs,” King said.

“These projects will enhance the resilience and reliability of the transport network, better connecting people to where they live, work and play.”