Photo: Paul Rovere

The Victorian Budget 2017/18 provides the first $100 million for the North East Link – every dollar needed to complete critical design, planning, and preconstruction works before contracts are signed in 2019.

Work will start immediately – spearheaded by the expert North East Link Authority – with geotechnical investigations starting this month at 24 sites across Melbourne’s north-eastern suburbs.

These extensive geotechnical investigations will provide valuable information about the conditions under the earth, including the type and strength of rock under the ground and the location of ground water.

Other detailed planning and engineering work will include field investigations, equipment procurement, service investigations, site establishment and upgrades to existing infrastructure.

These expert engineering, environmental and social investigations will help determine the best design for the project, with a focus on protecting existing urban areas and minimising the impact to the environment.

The North East Link will connect the Metropolitan Ring Road (M80) at Greensborough, with either the Eastern Freeway or Eastlink.

The independent Infrastructure Victoria identified it as the highest priority next infrastructure project for our state, building on the Labor Government’s record investment in roads and rail across Victoria.

Local residents, motorists, the freight industry and businesses will see extensive community consultation with sessions scheduled across the project area from mid-year.

Detailed design and engagement will take place throughout the year, with procurement starting next year, contracts signed in 2019, and construction beginning soon after.

For further information about the project, please visit northeastlink.vic.gov.au.