Maria Vamvakinou MP

The new flyover ramp from the Tullamarine Freeway onto the M80 Ring Road (Altona bound) officially opened today.Federal Member Wills, Kelvin Thomson, and Federal Member for Calwell, Maria Vamvakinou, joined Victorian Minister for Roads, Terry Mulder, at this important milestone for the M80 Ring Road Upgrade. “The impressive new structure at the M80 Ring Road and Tullamarine Freeway interchange – the gateway to Melbourne – allows citybound drivers on the Tullamarine Freeway to connect with the M80 Ring Road Altona bound carriageway,” said Mr Thomson. Minister Mulder said the flyover follows on from the recently opened underpass exit to Pascoe Vale Road (Greensborough bound) and the reopening of a third lane through the Jacana Tunnel in upgrading the M80 Ring Road.

The extra lanes in the 10.7 kilometre section of works between the Calder Freeway and Sydney Road are expected to be fully operational after Easter.“The Federal Government has committed $864 million to the $1.1 billion project through the Nation Building Program” said Ms Vamvakinou.“This is a significant component of the Federal Labor Government’s $6.8 billion commitment to Nation Building Program projects in Victoria to rebuild and renew the State’s road, rail and public transport infrastructure,” she said.

“The flyover opening is the latest in a series of milestones allowing drivers to experience noticeable improvements in traffic flow and safety along the Ring Road, including reduced merging and weaving,” said Mr Mulder.“Together with the Federal Government we are rebuilding the M80 into a modern piece of road infrastructure able to support Melbourne’s continued growth and development in the decades ahead.”