Melbourne’s $2.25 billion M80 Ring Road Upgrade is pushing ahead with the construction contract awarded for the next section of the vital project.

Federal Minister for Infrastructure and Transport Anthony Albanese and Victorian Minister for Roads and Ports Tim Pallas announced the new $31.8 million contract today, with the work between Furlong Road and Sunshine Avenue at St Albans awarded to BMD Constructions.

“The M80 Upgrade will provide significant benefits by improving safety and reliability, easing congestion and decreasing travel times, especially during peak periods,” Mr Albanese said.

“This is exactly what the Rudd Labor Government’s Nation Building Program is all about. We are creating jobs today, building long-term infrastructure and delivering national prosperity for the future.

“With this latest contract, work can begin on the second package of major works on the Ring Road. Construction is expected to start in the middle of this year and be completed in 2013.

“This contract award coincides with the conclusion of the early works package, with the completion of the Tilburn Road bridge widening works at Deer Park as part of the Fitzgerald Road to Boundary Road section expansion.”

Mr Pallas said with 140,000 vehicles use the M80 every day, including heavy commercial vehicles, the upgrade was vital to improving safety and enhancing freight capacity.

“The Brumby Labor Government is building a better transport system, so Victorians can spend more time with family and less time in traffic,” Mr Pallas said.

“Motorists will see more works on the Ring Road soon, with the construction of an extra lane each way between Furlong Road and Sunshine Avenue, including widening of the freeway bridge over Furlong Road at Sunshine North.

“This is great news for motorists and for Victoria’s economy. Importantly, the Ring Road improvements will also support industry in Melbourne’s west, making it far easier for businesses to move freight to and from destinations including our ports and airports.”

“Importantly, the M80 Upgrade project is also securing some 6500 jobs during construction.”

The M80 Ring Road Upgrade is jointly funded by the Victorian and Australian Governments. For more information or to sign up to receive project updates and alerts, visit the project website at www.vicroads.vic.gov.au/m80upgrade or call 1300 297 090.