Drivers in the growing northern suburbs will get a faster, less congested commute with major upgrades to Childs Road in Mill Park.

The works will be part of the Andrews Labor Government’s Suburban Roads Upgrade – the biggest investment in suburban roads in Victoria’s history – to fix 22 key suburban arterials and create more than 4,200 jobs.

Childs Road will be duplicated from two to four lanes between Beaumont Crescent and Prince of Wales Avenue, slashing congestion for more than 25,000 vehicles which rely on this key arterial each day.

The upgrade will improve traffic flow between Plenty Road and Dalton Road, and see Childs Road become the first duplicated east-west road in the significant growth area north of the M80 Ring Road.

The project also includes a new bridge over Darebin Creek and traffic lights to replace the existing roundabout at the Bowman Drive intersection.

The upgrade will provide a much-needed alternative for east-west travel and will direct traffic away from South Morang and Epping town centres, easing congestion and giving local roads back to local drivers.

A walking and cycling path along Childs Road will also improve connections for local cyclists and pedestrians.

The Victorian Budget 2018/19 will include $2.2 billion to upgrade 13 key arterial routes across the northern and south-eastern suburbs, on top of the $1.8 billion Western Roads Upgrade announced in last year’s budget.

As part of the Suburban Roads Upgrade package, several other key routes through Melbourne’s northern and south-eastern suburbs will be upgraded, including Bridge Inn Road, Yan Yean Road and Epping Road.

The Suburban Roads Upgrade will fix more than 50 kilometres of roads across Melbourne.

Quote attributable to Minister for Roads and Road Safety Luke Donnellan

“This is the single biggest investment in suburban roads in Victoria’s history – it will fix local roads and get people home sooner.”

Quote attributable to Member for Mill Park Lily D’Ambrosio

“Childs Road is a vital connection for the northern suburbs – widening it will slash congestion and reduce travel times for more than 25,000 drivers who rely on it every day.”

Quote attributable to Member for Thomastown Bronwyn Halfpenny

“The announcement to duplicate Epping and Childs roads is fantastic news. Residents will be so happy to hear that more of their traffic concerns are being addressed. This is another Labor project to make travelling around the area and to and from work easier.”