I have approved the funding required to duplicate Berwick’s Clyde Road between Kangan Drive and High Street, clearing the way for construction work to start by the end of the year.

Over recent years the importance of this road has grown and transformed into a busy, increasingly congested route connecting the South Gippsland area with Melbourne.

Once completed in late 2013, the 25,000 motorists who use this road everyday can expect smoother, quicker journeys as well as better access to Monash University, Chisholm TAFE, and other local community facilities.

As well as widening Clyde Road north of Kangan Drive from two to four lanes, this $55.6 million project will also deliver intersection improvements, better signage and new bike paths.

Main features of the upgrade include:

• Two lanes each way between Kangan Drive and High Street;


• Bus improvements at the Reserve Street and Kangan Drive intersections;


• Intersection improvements at High Street and Enterprise Avenue;


• New traffic signals at the Mansfield Street/Langmore Lane and Reserve Street intersections; and


• Provision of separated bicycle facilities on both sides of Clyde Road.

The upgrade of Clyde Road is a jointly funded project, with the Gillard Labor Government contributing $30 million and the Victorian Government a further $25.6 million.

All up, we’re investing some $7 billion over six years to maintain and upgrade Victoria’s road and rail infrastructure – more than double what the former government provided over a similar period of time.