Two major road upgrades in Wallan, north of Melbourne, are progressing ahead of schedule, with the jointly funded $175 million program set to improve road connections and traffic capacity.
The Watson Street Interchange Upgrade is now more than halfway complete and is expected to open six months earlier than planned, in mid-2027. The project will deliver a new full diamond interchange at the Hume Freeway, providing more direct connections to Wallan and the Wallan East industrial precinct.
The Northern Highway Intersection Upgrade is also on track for completion six months ahead of schedule. Works include additional lanes on the Northern Highway in both directions, a second right-turn lane from Watson Street towards Wallan, and improved walking and cycling connections. The intersection upgrade will provide additional road capacity ahead of the Watson Street Interchange opening.
“These major upgrades will make it easier and safer for locals, families, businesses and freight to get around Wallan, with better connections to the Hume Freeway and less time spent in traffic,” said Federal Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government Catherine King.
The Australian Government has contributed $90 million towards the upgrades, alongside $85 million from the Victorian Government. Together, the projects are supporting more than 1,100 jobs during construction.
“This is a significant investment in Wallan that will ease congestion, improve safety and deliver more reliable journeys as Melbourne’s north continues to grow,” said Victorian Minister for Roads and Road Safety Paul Hamer.
Both north-facing freeway ramps remain closed until mid-November, with motorists advised to allow up to 20 minutes of additional travel time.
