Decmil has secured a A$178.6m ($128m) contract from Major Road Projects Victoria for Stage 2 works on the Plenty Road upgrade project in Australia.

Under the contract, Decmil will be responsible for construction of an additional lane in both directions, along with installation of new safety barriers between Bush Boulevard and Bridge Inn Road.

The project will help the widening of Plenty Road from four lanes to six between Bush Boulevard and Riverdale Boulevard, as well as from two lanes to four between Riverdale Boulevard and Bridge Inn Road.

In addition, nearly 12 intersections will be upgraded and traffic lights will be added to improve traffic flow and residents’ access.

Furthermore, the roundabout at Bridge Inn Road will be replaced with traffic lights in preparation for the Suburban Roads Upgrade of Bridge Inn Road between Plenty and Yan Yean Roads.

“Plenty Road connects some of Victoria’s fastest-growing regions.”

Decmil is likely to start construction later this year, while the second stage project is scheduled to be completed by the middle of 2021.

Minister for transport infrastructure Jacinta Allan said: “Plenty Road connects some of Victoria’s fastest-growing regions and we’re keeping up with this growth by getting on with the second stage of this vital project.

“This is yet another key upgrade in Melbourne’s north, along with Yan Yean Road and O’Herns Road, so we can get people where they need to be sooner and safer.”

Currently, road improvements for the first stage are in progress and include an additional lane in each direction between McKimmies Road and Bush Boulevard, in addition to the upgrade of five intersections. This phase is likely to be concluded by mid-2019.

Mill Park member Lily D’Ambrosio said: “The first stage of the Plenty Road Upgrade is nearing completion and along with stage two will bring major relief to the tens of thousands of motorists who use this key route through Melbourne’s north every day.”