Works to upgrade a key intersection in Wallan are set to improve safety, reduce congestion and deliver smoother journeys for motorists travelling through Melbourne’s north.
The Albanese and Allan Labor Governments have announced an upgrade to the intersection of the Northern Highway (High Street) and Watson Street, delivering additional lanes on the Northern Highway in both directions and a second right-turn lane from Watson Street into the Wallan township.
The intersection upgrade forms part of the broader Watson Street Interchange Upgrade, which will create a full diamond interchange at the Hume Freeway, providing new entry and exit ramps and improving access for locals, businesses and freight moving through the region.
Federal Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government Catherine King said the works would make everyday travel safer and more efficient.
“Whether you’re passing through Wallan or picking up the kids from school, the completion of these major upgrades will mean less time in the car and a safer journey,” King said.
Once complete, the combined projects will give drivers new connections to the Hume Freeway, helping to avoid congestion where the Northern Highway currently intersects the freeway further south and improving movement in and around the growing township.
Victorian Minister for Transport Infrastructure Gabrielle Williams said the upgrade addressed long-standing congestion pressures.
“This is a much-needed upgrade that will make daily life easier for thousands of locals – easing congestion, improving safety and keeping people in Wallan and Melbourne’s growing north moving for years to come,” Williams said.
In addition to road capacity improvements, the project includes upgrades for pedestrians and cyclists, with the shared-use path along Watson Street to be expanded, along with new street lighting and signage to enhance safety.
Early works on the Northern Highway intersection will be delivered by Ace Infrastructure and are scheduled to begin next month, with major construction expected to start by April. The announcement comes as major works commence at the Watson Street Interchange itself.
Federal Member for McEwen Rob Mitchell said the upgrade would remove a major bottleneck.
“For too long we have battled the bottleneck getting to and from the freeway and around Wallan, and this investment, along with the ramps, will cut travel times, improve safety and deliver the modern road connections our growing community deserves,” Mitchell said.
State Member for Kalkallo Ros Spence said the new interchange design would give motorists more convenient access.
“Creating the full diamond interchange offers motorists entry and exits closer to home, meaning they’re spending less time stuck in traffic every day,” Spence said.
The $175 million Watson Street Interchange and Northern Highway Intersection upgrades are jointly funded, with $90 million from the Australian Government and $85 million from the Victorian Government. They are expected to play a key role in supporting Wallan’s continued growth.