The State Government of Victoria in Australia has unveiled plans to build the first stage of the East West Link by 2020, a move which will create 3,200 jobs.

To be constructed under a public-private partnership, the first stage project, which forms the eastern section of East West link, includes building a 6km-long road, linking the Eastern Freeway to the Tullamarine Freeway (CityLink).

The total cost of this first stage is estimated to be A$6.8bn ($6.9bn), and the government has committed funding of A$224m ($227.6m) in 2013-14 and A$70m ($71.1m) in 2014-15.

Treasurer Michael O’Brien said that he wants the federal government to provide A$1.5bn ($1.52bn) for the scheme, but is confident the project will attract private sector investment.

"Among the main connections included in the project are the Eastern Freeway, Tullamarine Freeway, Port of Melbourne and the Western Ring Road."

The East West Link road is an 18km-long stretch connecting the Eastern Freeway and Western Ring Road, and will be constructed using a combination of methods such as tunnels, bridging and surface road sections.

Among the main connections included in the project are the Eastern Freeway, Tullamarine Freeway, Port of Melbourne and the Western Ring Road.

Stage one of the project completes the missing link between the Eastern and Tullamarine Freeways, and will ease congestion on the Monash-West Gate corridor.

It is expected to improve freight efficiency and connections for major industries in Melbourne’s north, east and south-east to the Port of Melbourne and international airports.

The section will also cater to the large volume of traffic using disconnected roads along the east west corridor, north of the CBD area between the Eastern and Tullamarine Freeways.