The Government of Victoria, Australia, has awarded the contract for the first stage of the A$139.4m ($110.5m) Plenty Road upgrade works to DECMIL.

The first-stage works will involve the addition of an extra lane in each direction between McKimmies Road and Bush Boulevard to improve road capacity, along with the installation of new safety barriers and building of on-road cycling lanes.

Five major intersections will also be upgraded, including the intersections at Childs Road and Centenary Drive.

The installation of traffic lights at Rivergum Drive is also part of the work package.

Victoria Minister for Roads and Road Safety Luke Donnellan said: “We’re investing in the local roads that people in Melbourne’s north rely on every day.

“Whether it’s Plenty Road, Yan Yean Road, O’Herns Road or the M80 Ring Road, we’re building the roads these growing communities need.”

“Whether it’s Plenty Road, Yan Yean Road, O’Herns Road or the M80 Ring Road, we’re building the roads these growing communities need.”

Major construction works on the project are expected to start after the completion of early works, which involve the design relocation of essential services such as the telephone, water and electricity.

Plenty Road serves as an important route connecting some of Melbourne’s growing suburbs with links to the communities of Whittlesea, Doreen and Mernda to Melbourne.

The upgrade works are expected to reduce congestion on the route during peak hours and improve access to key places throughout the route.

The first stage is expected to be completed by early next year, with planning underway for the second stage of upgrade works between Bush Boulevard and Bridge Inn Road.