Gabrielle Williams today welcomed the Monash Widening Project moving to its next stage with the announcement of three experienced construction teams being shortlisted to complete the design and construction of the additional lanes.

The shortlisted companies are CPB Pty Ltd and BMD Constructions Pty Ltd, Fulton Hogan Construction Pty Ltd and John Holland Pty Ltd. The successful company will be appointed in mid-2016, with construction to commence in late 2016 and completed by the end of 2018.

Almost 45 kilometres of the freeway will be upgraded including widening from four to five lanes each way between the EastLink interchange and the South Gippsland Freeway, and from two to three lanes each way through to Clyde Road in Berwick.

Smart technology involving new and upgraded ramp signals and variable message signs will be installed to help prevent traffic banking up and causing congestion and crashes.The works to upgrade the Monash will be entirely within the road reserve. Tolls will not be introduced on the upgraded section of the Monash Freeway.