The Government of Victoria in Australia has called for public expressions of interest about its planned 7.9km upgrade between the Princes Freeway and Western Highway, which are connected to the region's M80 ring road.

Motorists in the state anticipate that the upgrade will reduce the traffic congestion but enhance safety for drivers using the M80 every day.

The upgrade works will widen the entry and exit ramps along this section, and increase the size of the ring road from three lanes to four lanes in each direction.

Australian Minister for Urban Infrastructure Paul Fletcher said: “Along with our upgrade of the Monash Freeway, the M80 Ring Road is a key element of our A$1.5bn ($1.1bn) infrastructure package to get Victoria moving.

“This particular upgrade project will improve safety and reduce congestion for the 160,000 drivers who use the freeway every day."

“This particular upgrade project will improve safety and reduce congestion for the 160,000 drivers who use the freeway every day, delivering a more reliable commute for drivers, freight operators and the local community.”

The government anticipates that the upgrade would also improve road connectivity between the Ring Road, Princes Freeway, West Gate Freeway and the future Western Distributor.

To enhance freight movement in Laverton, the government agencies are planning to upgrade interchanges at Boundary Road and Fitzgerald Road and provide better connectivity to the M80 Ring Road.

To manage the traffic flow in an improved manner, a new electronic freeway management system will be put in place and overhead electronic signs will be installed on the freeways to provide real time information for drivers.

The proposed upgrade is reported to be the latest on the M80 Ring Road.

Upon completion, it is expected to deliver major improvements along 38km from the Princes Freeway at Laverton North to the Greensborough Highway, Greensborough.

With this new upgrade, Greensborough-bound drivers will reduce journey times by up to 15 minutes, while Altona-bound drivers will save up to 10 minutes during peak periods.

Construction works on this new section are expected to begin next year.