M80 upgrade to benefit north Melbourne
Residents in the north Melbourne suburbs of Bundoora and Thomastown will be among those who will benefit from the latest developments on the M80 Ring Road upgrade.
Victorian minister for roads Terry Mulder announced on Friday (March 30) that the latest phase of the $2.25 billion project will cover a six-kilometre stretch between Plenty Road in Bundoora and Edgars Road in Thomastown.
An estimated 60 per cent of the freeway is now being improved, Mulder observed, noting that the M80 upgrade is the state's largest road project.
As Melbourne's second-busiest freeway, it is thought that upwards of 140,000 motorists use the road every day.
The upgraded road could boost the appeal of residential real estate in this area of Melbourne when it is completed in 2014, with reduced travel times for commuters and less congestion on the motorway.
In February, federal infrastructure and transport minister Anthony Albanese announced that the M80 would be the site of a new electronic freeway management system - new technology that can help motorists better plan their trips and help to prevent congestion.
With upgrades now underway, drivers who use the M80 regularly have been cautioned to take care when passing through work zones.
"Drivers travelling through this new work zone can expect changed traffic conditions including temporary lower speed limits and narrowed lanes," Mulder said.
