The Australian state of Victoria has called for expressions of interest for the remaining sections of M80 Ring Road upgrade project.

Federal Minister for Urban Infrastructure and Cities Paul Fletcher said that upgrade of the remaining section includes a 4km part between Sydney Road and Edgars Road and a 2km portion between Plenty Road and the Greensborough Highway.

Fletcher said: “We’re closing in on completing this important upgrade project which will make the M80 Ring Road safer and more efficient while supporting up to 1,350 jobs during construction.”

The works will comprise additional lanes in each direction, reducing travel times for road users.

According to Victorian Minister for Roads and Road Safety Luke Donnellan, the entry and exit ramps will be widened to boost capacity while a dedicated exit ramp from Sydney Road to Edgars Road will be constructed that will bolster safety and reduce dangerous and winding traffic.

“This upgrade project will improve safety and reduce congestion for the 160,000 drivers who use this freeway each day, delivering better journeys for drivers, freight operations and the local community.”

Donnellan said: “This upgrade project will improve safety and reduce congestion for the 160,000 drivers who use this freeway each day, delivering better journeys for drivers, freight operations and the local community.”

As part of the project, an electronic freeway management system with overhead electronic signs will be installed which will offer real time information for drivers and help in management of traffic flow.

In April 2016, the Australian Government committed to an additional $350m to complete the M80 Ring Road, as part of its $1.5bn commitment to the $3bn Victorian Infrastructure Package, if the Victorian government too matches the amount.

This funding will help construction on the remaining sections of the M80 Ring Road, which is slated to begin in late 2018 and complete by late 2021.

The Australian and Victorian governments are together investing $2.25bn in the M80 Ring Road Upgrade.

Once complete, the M80 Ring Road upgrade will offer reliable link to all major freeways and interstate roads, including the Hume Highway, Princes and West Gate Freeways and the future West Gate Tunnel.