A MAJOR multi-million-dollar upgrade to the intersection of the Northern Highway (High Street) and Watson Street in the Wallan township is being welcomed as a long-overdue boost to safety, traffic flow and travel times for local motorists.
Member for McEwen Rob Mitchell said the project, in addition to the recently commenced Watson Street interchange upgrade, would ease congestion and improve access for residents travelling in, out of and around Wallan.
“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,” Mr Mitchell said.
The combined $175 million Watson Street interchange upgrade and Northern Highway intersection upgrade are jointly funded, with a $90 million contribution from the Federal Government and $85 million from the Victorian Government.
The Northern Highway intersection upgrade will see additional lanes built on the highway in both directions at the High Street and Watson Street intersection, along with a second right-turn lane from Watson Street into the Wallan township, making it easier for drivers to move through the area.
The works form part of the wider Watson Street Interchange Upgrade, which will deliver new entry and exit ramps to create a full diamond interchange where Watson Street meets the Hume Freeway.
Together, the new freeway ramps and the Northern Highway intersection upgrade are expected to significantly improve access and reduce travel times for people commuting to and from Wallan.
Pedestrians and cyclists will also benefit, with upgrades to the existing shared-use path along Watson Street, as well as new street lighting and signage to improve safety and visibility.
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 in April. The announcement follows the commencement of major works at the Watson Street interchange upgrade last week.
