Construction is now underway on the next section of the $2.25 billion M80 Ring Road Upgrade between Furlong Road, St Albans, and Sunshine Avenue in Sunshine North.

Federal Minister for Infrastructure and Transport Anthony Albanese and Victorian Minister for Roads and Ports Tim Pallas announced the start of works today by 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 project is receiving an unprecedented $900 million from the Gillard Labor Government’s Nation Building Program. This program is creating jobs, building long-term infrastructure and delivering national prosperity for the future.

“The new two kilometre section between Furlong Road and Sunshine Avenue is the second major stage of the Ring Road to be upgraded as part of this key project.”

Mr Pallas said the next stage would see two extra freeway lanes built in each direction and widen the bridge over Furlong Road, with work expected to be complete by 2013.

“The M80 Upgrade is great news for the many motorists who use the popular Ring Road every day - a safer and more efficient freeway will mean less time in traffic and more time with family and friends,” Mr Pallas said.

“Construction will really ramp up in the next 12 months, with work already underway between Calder Freeway and Sydney Road and a contract for works between the Western Highway and Furlong Road due to be awarded soon.

“Improvements to the M80 Ring Road will support industry in Melbourne’s north and west, making it easier to move freight to and from destinations including our ports and airports.

“The project is a great example of the Federal and Victorian Labor Governments working together to improve Victoria’s roads, create more jobs and deliver world-class transport.”

The works are being planned and managed to minimise the impact on drivers with reduced speed limits to apply road works are underway

“We ask all motorists to observe the speed limits and to take care when travelling through work zones,” Mr Pallas said.

The M80 Upgrade will see the Western and Metropolitan Ring Roads widened to provide at least three lanes each way between Laverton North and Greensborough.

Other improvements include a freeway management system with ramp signals, variable message signs and variable speed limits to better manage traffic flow.

For more information or to sign up to receive project updates and alerts, visit the project website at http://www.vicroads.vic.gov.au/m80upgrade or call the Project Information Line on 1300 297 090.