The Federal and Victorian Governments have committed $50 million towards pre-construction works for the Western Freeway upgrade between Melton and Caroline Springs, progressing long-awaited improvements along one of Melbourne’s busiest growth corridors.

The funding will support detailed planning, design work and on-site investigations ahead of major construction, helping prepare the corridor for future upgrades aimed at improving safety and capacity for motorists and freight operators.

The pre-construction phase forms part of the Federal Government’s broader $1 billion commitment to upgrade the Western Freeway between Melton and Caroline Springs, building on a jointly funded business case developed by the Federal and Victorian Governments to identify priority works along the corridor.

More than 86,000 vehicles travel the section of freeway between Melton and Caroline Springs each day, with traffic volumes forecast to increase to around 113,000 vehicles daily by 2031 as Melbourne’s western suburbs continue to grow.

The upgrades are intended to improve traffic flow, reliability and safety along the key transport and freight route.

Pre-construction works began in April and will help inform future funding decisions and construction timelines for the project.

The announcement follows additional joint funding of $152.7 million from the Federal and Victorian Governments for development works supporting future electrification of the Melton rail line.

Federal Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government, Catherine King, said the project was an important investment in Melbourne’s growing west.

“The Australian and Victorian Labor Governments are working together to deliver this vital upgrade for Melbourne’s west,” King said.

“We are getting money out the door and detailed planning underway, so we can get this project to a point where it is construction-ready and we can start building.”

Federal Member for Hawke, Sam Rae, said the funding represented a significant milestone for the community.

“This latest funding commitment is an important step forward for the Western Freeway upgrade – a project our community has long needed,” Rae said.

Victorian Member for Melton, Steve McGhie, said the investment would help pave the way for future upgrades improving safety and reliability for local motorists.

“This investment is an important step toward future upgrades along the Western Freeway that will improve safety, boost capacity and deliver more reliable journeys for families in Melbourne’s west,” McGhie said.

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