A MAJOR milestone has been reached in Wallan’s long campaign for better freeway access, with Australian-owned company, Winslow, awarded the contract to deliver the Watson Street Interchange Upgrade, a project set to transform how locals travel in and out of the fast-growing town.
The $175 million project, jointly funded by the Australian and Victorian Governments, will finally complete a full diamond interchange at Watson Street, providing the missing south-facing ramps that have long caused congestion and safety issues for motorists. The Australian Government is contributing $90 million, with the Victorian Government investing $85 million.
Federal Member for McEwen Rob Mitchell said the upgrade represents one of the region’s most significant road investments in decades.
“The delivery of this project is my number one priority for Wallan. I am proud to be part of a government that, in partnership with the Victorian Government, is delivering this essential piece of infrastructure for our community as promised. Not only will this make our travel to and from home safer, it will mean less time on the road and more time with our families,” Mr Mitchell said.
Early works are already underway, with crews on site conducting investigations and establishing the project compound. Major construction is expected to start in early 2026, with completion scheduled for late 2027.
The upgrade will cater for up to 30,000 vehicle movements a day, improving access for commuters, freight operators, and emergency services. It will also feature new walking and cycling paths, enhancing safety and connectivity for all road users.
Member for Kalkallo Ros Spence said the contract award means the long-anticipated project is finally moving from planning to delivery.
“This long-awaited upgrade is another step closer and will change the way residents travel in and out of Wallan. It will ease congestion, reduce delays and mean locals spend less time in their car and more time with their families,” Ms Spence said.
Calls for a full interchange at Watson Street stretch back several years. In November 2019, Member for Northern Victoria Wendy Lovell, raised the issue in State Parliament, urging the government to prioritise construction of the southern-oriented Hume Freeway on and off ramps to exit and enter Watson Street.
In August 2020, the Federal Government announced an initial $50 million commitment for the upgrade, and planning continued through 2023 and 2024, led by Major Road Projects Victoria (MRPV). The business case identified the interchange as a critical piece of infrastructure for Wallan’s future growth.
With Wallan’s population expected to more than double in coming years, the interchange is seen as vital to easing pressure on existing routes such as the Northern Highway and High Street, and to unlocking further residential and industrial development in Wallan East.