Funding commitment: Donnybrook Road and Upfield line upgrades
Published on 07 April 2025
The City of Whittlesea welcomes the funding commitment of $125 million from the Albanese and Allan Labor Governments to upgrade the Donnybrook Road and Mitchell Street intersection, a significant step forward in addressing congestion on Donnybrook Road and improving safety in Melbourne’s rapidly growing north.
The upgrade will see the existing roundabout transformed into a fully signalised intersection with additional lanes, easing congestion and improving traffic flow for residents and businesses. A new bridge over Kalkallo Creek and the installation of safety barriers will further enhance safety for motorists and pedestrians alike.
This much-needed investment builds on previous works, including the dedicated left-turn slip lane constructed in 2023, which has already improved access to the Hume Freeway and reduced peak-time congestion. The continued investment in infrastructure is essential to ensuring the area keeps pace with rapid population growth and increasing demand on local roads.
The City of Whittlesea has long advocated for upgrades to key roads in the northern growth corridor, including the section of Donnybrook Road from the Merri Creek to Epping Road, recognising the critical need for improved transport infrastructure to support the community’s needs. This project forms part of the broader $1.2 billion Road Blitz, with the Australian Government contributing $1 billion and the Victorian Government contributing $200 million.
The Federal Labor Government has also committed $7.05 million for a business case to explore upgrades to the Craigieburn and Upfield train lines, further supporting transport infrastructure planning that will shape the future of the region’s transport network.
Infrastructure upgrades that will be assessed include track modifications, electrification – including connecting Donnybrook Station to the metro train network, signalling and power upgrades, level crossing removals, additional stabling and potential new stations such as Cloverton, Beveridge and Summer Hill Road.
Quotes attributable to the City of Whittlesea Mayor, Councillor Aidan McLindon
“As one of the fastest-growing municipalities in Victoria, the City of Whittlesea welcomes this commitment to infrastructure improvements. We look forward to continuing to work with all levels of government to deliver the transport solutions our community needs.”