A NEW interchange will be built on the Hume Freeway, with works starting later this year for the Gunns Gully Road connection in Kalkallo.
The announcement was made last Monday by State Minister for Roads and Road Safety Paul Hamer, with the $153 million works set to begin before the end of the year.
The connection is designed to support growth and jobs in Kalkallo, Beveridge and the northern growth corridor, while also taking some pressure off Donnybrook Road and unlocking access in Lockerbie and Merrifield North.
The new connection will be built where Gunns Gully Road will cross the Hume Freeway in the future.
The interchange will be delivered and funded by Stockland, built through a Growth Areas Infrastructure Contribution.
Mr Hamer said it is an investment that is much needed.
“This is a major investment in the road infrastructure that Melbourne’s north needs,” he said.
State Member for Kalkallo Ros Spence said it was an exciting opportunity for the town.
“This new interchange will provide a vital connection to the Hume Freeway and unlock new opportunities for jobs and investment across the northern growth corridor,” she said.
Stockland General Manager Communities Victoria Ed Krushka said it was a project which unlocks the potential of the wider area.
“Through our investment, the project will help unlock new housing supply, support economic growth and create more opportunities for people to live, work and access services across Melbourne’s north,” he said.
State Minister for Planning Sonya Kilkenny said it was designed to support services.
“We’re making sure critical infrastructure keeps pace with our growing communities and supports the jobs and services Victorians need close to home,” she said.