Construction contract awarded for $175m Watson St Interchange Upgrade

The jointly funded Watson Street Interchange Upgrade in Wallan, Victoria is a step closer to commencing major works with the construction contract now awarded to Australian owned and operated company Winslow. 

The awarding of the contract marks a significant milestone on the project that will deliver additional connections from Wallan to the Hume Freeway and Melbourne. 

Early works will begin this year and crews are already on site to carry out investigations as well as to establish the site compound ahead of the start of major construction in early 2026. 

“We’re proud to partner with the Victorian Government to deliver better transport links, reduce congestion and support local jobs for people living and working in Melbourne’s north,” Federal Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government Minister Catherine King said. 

“This upgrade will make it easier and safer for people in Wallan and nearby communities to get where they need to go – cutting travel times and easing pressure on local roads,” VIC Minister for Transport Infrastructure Gabrielle Williams said. 

Project map (source: Victoria's Big Build)

The upgrade will include new freeway ramps to connect Watson Street to the Hume Freeway to make it easier for motorists to enter and exit the freeway while new signals will be installed on both sides of the interchange to improve safety and traffic flow. 

This project will also improve walking and cycling to the existing bridge and along Watson Street. 

The new interchange will make it safer and easier for motorists travelling in and out of Wallan, improving access for about 30,000 journeys a day, and reducing congestion on local roads. 

The Watson Street Interchange Upgrade will generate up to 1,100 jobs, supporting the State’s construction industry and creating local employment opportunities. 

The Australian Government has contributed $90 million towards the $175 million project, with the Victorian Government investing $85 million. 

“The delivery of this project is my number one priority for Wallan. I am proud to be part of a government that, in partnership with the Victorian Government, is delivering this essential piece of infrastructure for our community as promised. Not only will this make our travel to and from home safer, it will mean less time on the road and more time with our families,” Federal Member for McEwan Rob Mitchell said. 

“This upgrade will support Wallan’s growth and provide another direct route to reach the town’s sporting precincts and recreational areas – helping people move with less congestion and fewer delays,” VIC Member for Kalkallo Rob Spence said. 

“Whether coming home or heading to Melbourne, having better access to our freeway network is important for growing towns like Wallan. This upgrade will make it safer and easier for people to get where they need to go,” VIC Member for Yan Yean Lauren Kathage said. 

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