Australia-based Cut & Fill has secured a contract to work on the A$31.2m ($22.8m) interchange at the intersection of Sand Road and the Princes Freeway East at Longwarry.

Work is expected to start soon on upgrading this key intersection on one of the region’s busiest freight corridors.

The upgrade will help improve safety and efficiency, as well as strengthen the local and regional economy.

"The new interchange will make it easier and safer for motorists to get on and off the freeway."

The project will see construction of two new roundabouts to provide further connections to Sand Road, the freeway and nearby service centres as well as to provide safer and easier travel.

Australia member for McMillan Russell Broadbent said: "The existing intersection will be upgraded into a full freeway interchange with new entry and exit ramps to allow motorists to enter and exit the freeway and connect to other roads."

As part of the upgrade project, a new bridge will also be built over the freeway.

Victorian minister for roads Luke Donnellan said: "The new interchange will make it easier and safer for motorists to get on and off the freeway.

"Ensuring that all road users are travelling in a safe environment is a priority. Once the interchange is complete, the current variable speed limit that reduces to 80km/h during peak times will be removed, allowing a consistent 100km/h speed limit along the freeway."

Construction is expected to be initiated later this year and is scheduled to be completed by mid-2017.

For this project, the Australian Government is funding A$22.5m ($16.5m) and A$8.7m ($6.3m) is contributed by the Victorian government.