Construction begins on O'Herns Road stage two

Preparation has commenced on site for the second stage of the O’Herns Road upgrade. Major construction is set to start in the next few weeks.

VEC Civil Engineering were awarded the contract to deliver the second stage of the O’Herns Road upgrade in Epping earlier this year.

The state and federal government have jointly committed $103 million to this upgrade. It is hoped to improve traffic flow and reduce travel times for tens-of-thousands of drivers using the road daily.

The upgrade includes three new intersections with traffic lights, creating better north-south connections between Cooper Street and O’Herns Road, an interchange to give direct access to the Hume Freeway and new landes in each direction on the Hume Freeway and O’Herns Road.

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Development Michael McCormack said the O’Herns Road Upgrade would transform the way residents move across Melbourne’s north.

“We’re widening roads and improving access to the freeway helping traffic to flow freely,” Mr. McCormack said.

Victorian Minister for Transport Infrastructure Jacinta Allan said the project will improve connections across Melbourne’s north, encouraging economic and jobs growth.

“This project will help people who live and work here get home sooner and safer, while creating new opportunities for local businesses,” Ms. Allan said.

Victorian Member for Thomastown Bronwyn Halfpenny said travel times have already been improved after stage one of the works.

“The new traffic lights at the O’Herns Road and High Street intersection has streamlined traffic flow and reduced queuing for the 30,000 drivers who use the intersection every day,” Ms. Halfpenny said.

Stage one was completed in February 2019 and included traffic lights, added slip and right turn lanes, a raised platform at the intersection and new on-road bike lanes.

The project is being delivered by Major Road Projects Victoria and is expected to be completed by mid-2021.