By Oliver Lees
Preliminary works toward the Sunbury Road Upgrade are now underway, with major construction on the multi-billion dollar project expected to begin later this year.
In a joint statement released by the state and federal governments, Winslow Infrastructure was announced as having secured the contract for the project, which has been drawn up in a bid to mitigate the over-congestion of Sunbury’s roads.
The works include the addition of an extra lane in each direction between Powlett Street and Bulla-Diggers Rest Road at Sunbury Road.
Pedestrians and cyclists will be better accommodated, with new paths along Sunbury Road, the installation of safety barriers and a bridge over Jacksons Creek.
The roundabouts at Francis Boulevard and Lancefield Road will also be replaced with traffic lights.
The estimated total cost of the project is $2.27 billion, with the state and federal government footing $1.1 billion of the bill.
Sunbury MP Josh Bull said the project was necessary to accommodate the community’s growing demographic of road users.
“Locals who use Sunbury Road every day know how important this upgrade is for the area,” Mr Bull said.
“Whether you’re driving, riding or walking, we’re building better roads that help get people home safer and sooner.”
Major construction is anticipated for the second half of 2022, with a completion date of 2025.
