Drivers in Melbourne’s north will enjoy safer, more reliable journeys and easier access to the Hume Freeway with major works on the O’Herns Road Upgrade now complete.

Minister for Communications, Urban Infrastructure, Cities and the Arts, the Hon Paul Fletcher MP, and Victorian Minister for Transport Infrastructure, the Hon Jacinta Allan MP, today announced that the new lanes, upgraded intersections and brand-new freeway interchange are now open to traffic.

Stage 2 of the O’Herns Road Upgrade includes a brand-new diamond interchange providing direct access to the Hume Freeway, a new lane in each direction on O’Herns Road between the Hume Freeway and Manor House Drive in Epping, and a new lane in each direction on the Hume Freeway between Cooper Street and O’Herns Road.

New intersections with traffic lights have been built at Edgars Road, Gateway Boulevard and Koukoura Drive, and the bridge over the Hume Freeway has been widened to help improve traffic flow to the new interchange.

Minister Fletcher said the upgrade would improve access to Melbourne’s freeway network and the surrounding northern suburbs, reducing traffic in the area.

“This upgrade will improve traffic flow and travel times for the tens of thousands of drivers who travel on O’Herns Road every day,” Minister Fletcher said.

“This is one of many critical infrastructure projects to receive funding from the Morrison Government as part of its record $110 billion, 10-year infrastructure investment pipeline, which is helping to drive Australia’s economic recovery.”

Minister Allan said the project is in line with the Victorian Government’s huge pipeline of works to better connect communities through its record investment in transport infrastructure.

“This area of Melbourne is one of the fastest-growing regions in the country and this upgrade will help people to get home safer and sooner and create opportunities for businesses right across the region,” Minister Allan said.

“It’s a huge win for the local community who’ll spend less time stuck in traffic and more time with friends and family doing the things they love.”
Senator for Victoria James Paterson said the completion of the upgrade is a huge win for the local community.

“Residents have been calling for this upgrade for years, and we’re thrilled to be able to deliver,” Senator Paterson said.

“This upgrade will not only improve the quality of life of those already living locally, but future-proof the area as the population continues to grow.”

State Member for Thomastown Bronwyn Halfpenny said the upgrade will transform the way people travel across Melbourne’s north.

“The new diamond interchange gives drivers direct access to the Hume Freeway, providing a direct route between the northern suburbs and Melbourne’s central business district,” Ms Halfpenny said.

“This upgrade will provide a quicker, safer and more efficient journey for the 30,000 vehicles who travel along this section of O’Herns Road each day.”
Minor finishing works on O’Herns Road will continue until later in the year.

Stage 1 of the O’Herns Road Upgrade was completed in 2019. The new traffic lights, slip lanes, right turn lanes and a raised platform have improved safety and eased congestion, keeping Melbourne’s outer north moving.

The project is jointly funded with the Australian Government committing $50 million and the Victorian Government $105 million.