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

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.

The Epping Road upgrade includes duplicating the road between Craigieburn Road East and Memorial Avenue to two lanes in each direction, slashing congestion and improving travel times for more than 27,000 drivers.

New safety barriers will be installed along Epping Road and traffic lights will be installed at intersections including Craigieburn Road East and Harvest Home Road.

The work will improve access for people in Epping and Wollert, directing traffic off local roads and giving local streets back to the local community.

The Epping Road upgrade also includes a new shared path for 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.

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

As part of the Suburban Roads Upgrade package, several other key routes through Melbourne’s northern suburbs will be upgraded, including Sunbury Road, Craigieburn Road, Fitzsimons Lane and Epping Road.

Quotes 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.”

“With work already underway on the Western Roads Upgrade, this unprecedented investment will now mean the benefits of this project are felt across our city from Werribee to Pakenham, from Doreen to Dingley.”

Quote attributable to Member for Mill Park Lily D’Ambrosio

“Locals in Epping and Wollert who use this every day know this upgrade is long overdue and that we’re investing in our community and the roads we rely on each 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.”