The transformation of the Monash Freeway in Victoria, Australia, has moved one step closer with expressions of interest (EOI) now underway to develop the A$711m ($529m) second stage of the project.

Drivers make more than 470,000 trips over the corridor every day and the project is expected to make trips quicker and easier by adding 36km of new lanes to the freeway.

Federal Minister for Urban Infrastructure and Cities Paul Fletcher said: “This project will slash congestion and improve travel times for drivers across Melbourne’s south-east.

“Delivering more lanes where they’re needed most, as well as upgrading entry and exit ramps, will better link the community around Beaconsfield and deliver a duplicated O’Shea Road.

“The freeway will be widened between Warrigal Road and Eastlink and between Clyde Road and Cardinia Road, cutting an estimated nine minutes off a peak-hour trip between Pakenham and the city.”

“Early works will be fast-tracked over the coming months, starting with the installation of smart on-road technology and overhead lane use, and speed signs further along the Monash Freeway.”

For this project, the Australian government is contributing A$500m ($372m) to the Monash Freeway Upgrade Stage 2 with the Victorian government contributing the remainder.

Major construction of the project is slated to begin in mid-2019 and expected to be completed in early 2022.

Victorian Minister for Roads, Road Safety and Ports Luke Donnellan further added that the new technology will be used to make it safer, easier and quicker to access Melbourne’s growing south-eastern suburbs.

The project includes the upgrade of the Beaconsfield Interchange and the extension of O’Shea Road in Berwick, benefitting residents in the south-east.

Donnellan said: “Early works will be fast-tracked over the coming months, starting with the installation of smart on-road technology and overhead lane use, and speed signs further along the Monash Freeway.

“This technology will help better manage large volumes of traffic and provide drivers with live lane use and traffic information to deliver a safer and more reliable journey.”

Victorian Member for Southern Metropolitan Region Gavin Jennings said drivers would benefit from better connections from the Monash Freeway to arterial roads and Eastlink.

“This project will connect Police Road to the Monash Freeway and link Jacksons Road directly to Eastlink with a new separated road, making it easier for people to get where they need to go.”

The first stage of Monash Freeway Upgrade between EastLink and Clyde Road is nearing completion. New lanes were opened in early May and new overhead freeway technology was installed in early June.