Calder Park Drive interchange upgrade progress towards construction

The Albanese and Carroll Labor Governments are getting on with upgrading the Calder Freeway and Calder Park Drive interchange in Melbourne's growing north-west.

This project is jointly funded by the Australian and Victorian Governments, each contributing $287.5 million and $57.5 million respectively, as part of the $1.245 billion Road Blitz initiative.

"We're backing a safer Calder Freeway and Calder Park Drive, with $287.5 million from the Albanese Government to deliver this vital upgrade.

"Melbourne's north-west is growing and this upgrade will help locals get to where they need to go safely and efficiently," Federal Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government Catherine King said.

Concept designs for the project have been unveiled to give Victorians a first look at the proposed interchange upgrade, with community consultation underway.

The planned upgrade will include:

• A new diamond interchange at Calder Park Drive
• Realigning the Calder Freeway as a four-lane overpass over Calder Park Drive
• Future proofing the Calder Freeway for six lanes
• Increasing the speed limit on the Calder Freeway to 100km/h

The proposed design will help improve safety and make journeys more reliable for the 39,000 vehicles that use the Calder Freeway each day.

"Calder Park Drive is a vital link for locals, businesses and everyone heading along the Calder Freeway.

"These designs are a first look at a safer, more direct interchange," VIC Minister for Roads and Road Safety Paul Hamer said.

"These upgrades are about improving safety, efficiency and local connectivity across the north-west and its surrounds.

"I encourage locals to have their say on the proposed designs, to help shape these important game-changing upgrades.," Federal Member for Hawke Sam Rae said.

Raising the freeway over Calder Park Drive will give city-bound drivers more direct journeys, with some no longer required to make a U-turn.

This upgrade will also involve closing direct freeway access points at Calder Park Raceway and Organ Pipes National Park, while access through the new interchange and local road network are maintained.

A new path connecting Organ Pipes National Park, Taylors Creek and Kings Road will also be built as part of the upgrade.

Early designs for the Calder Park Drive Interchange upgrade have been informed by site investigations as well as previous community feedback.

Construction timeframes for the upgrade will be confirmed once planning and environmental approvals progress.

"As our communities continue to grow, it's vital that our road network keeps pace and delivers safer, more reliable journeys for local residents.

"I encourage everyone in the community to take a look at the proposed plans and share their feedback to help ensure these improvements meet the needs of local road users," Federal Member for Gorton Alice Jordan Baird said.

"Locals have consistently told me they want to see safety improvements at Calder Park Drive – and that's exactly what this project is designed to deliver.

"We want your feedback to get this right," State Member for Sydenham Natalie Hutchins said.

Source: Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government; Premier of Victoria – Media Centre; Victoria's Big Build – Big Build Roads; Engage Victoria