The Federal and Victorian governments have announced an upgrade to the intersection of Northern Highway (High Street) and Watson Street in Wallan, to improve travel times and increase safety for drivers in Melbourne’s north.

The Northern Highway Intersection Upgrade will see additional lanes built on the Northern Highway in both directions at the intersection of High Street and Watson Street, in addition to a second right-turn lane from Watson Street into the Wallan township.

These works will make navigating the area easier for drivers.

This project is part of the larger Watson Street Interchange Upgrade, which will deliver new entry and exit ramps to create a full diamond interchange where Watson Street meets the Hume Freeway.

The ramps will give locals new connections to the Hume Freeway, helping them avoid congestion where the Northern Highway intersects the Hume Highway further south.

“For too long we have battled the bottleneck getting to and from the freeway and around Wallan,” said Federal Member for McEwen Rob Mitchell.

“This investment, along with the ramps, will cut travel times, improve safety and deliver the modern road connections our growing community deserves.”

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The new ramps at the Hume Highway south of Watson Street and now the intersection upgrade at Watson Street and the Northern Highway will also significantly improve access for people travelling in, out of and around Wallan.

Pedestrians and cyclists will also benefit from the upgrade, with the existing shared-use path along Watson Street upgraded, and new street lighting and signage to be installed.

“This is a much-needed upgrade that will make daily life easier for thousands of locals – easing congestion, improving safety and keeping people in Wallan and Melbourne’s growing north moving for years to come,” said Victorian Minister for Transport Infrastructure Gabrielle Williams.

Early works on the Northern Highway Intersection will be delivered by Ace Infrastructure, and are scheduled to begin next month.

Major construction on this intersection expected to start in April this year.

This announcement comes as major works begin this week for the larger Watson Street Interchange Upgrade.