Melbourne’s major East West Link roadworks is set to go ahead after the Victorian Government confirmed it will be committing to the first stage of the funding.

Premier Denis Napthine said the Government will provide funding for the delivery of the funding of the six kilometre section of the East West Link, connecting the Eastern Freeway to City Link.

“This landmark project will reduce chronic congestion issues and transform east west travel across Melbourne, at an estimated capital cost of between $6 billion and $8 billion,” Dr Napthine said. 

“It will create around 3,200 jobs, drive productivity and secure the long-term economic future of our State.

Treasurer Michael O’Brien said the Coalition Government was able to deliver the East West Link and other critical infrastructure because of the strength of the Victorian economy.

Mr O’Brien said the East West Link would be delivered as a Public Private Partnership, with financing sourced from the Victorian Coalition Government, Commonwealth Government and the private sector. Toll revenue is expected to partly offset the costs of the project over the longer term. 

“There is a clear role for the private sector in delivering this project,” Mr O’Brien said.

The East West Link is an 18 kilometre road connecting the Eastern Freeway at Hoddle Street with the M80 Ring Road in Sunshine West. The statutory planning process for East West Link Stage 1 is now underway and the project is expected to go to market for procurement by late 2013.  

Construction is expected to commence in late 2014, and a construction period of around five years is anticipated.