Arabic version: تمت الموافقة على تمويل تحسينات طريق دونيبروك في شمال ملبورن الخارجي

The Federal and Victorian governments have pledged $45 million to continue upgrades of Donnybrook Road in Melbourne’s outer north, a crucial route for residents of new housing estates. According to ABC News, local residents have expressed their relief over the funding but emphasize that further improvements are necessary to address ongoing traffic issues.

Mustafa Aljburi, a recent resident of the area, described the daily struggle of navigating traffic on the notorious 8-kilometre stretch of Donnybrook Road, which has seen an increase in traffic from 2,900 vehicles per day in 2017 to 35,562 by 2025. Locals report spending excessive time in traffic, with some residents noting that they often have to leave much earlier to drop their children off at school.

The new funding will support the construction of a second bridge over the Hume Freeway and the addition of footpaths to improve access to Donnybrook train station. However, Hume City Council Deputy Mayor Ally Watson has called for clarity on the timeline for the roadworks, stating that the community needs to see tangible progress to believe that improvements will be made.

Whittlesea Mayor Lawrie Cox has criticized the planned upgrades as insufficient, arguing that the road is already under significant strain and that a comprehensive upgrade is essential to accommodate the growing population. The National Growth Areas Alliance has also highlighted the need for better infrastructure in outer suburbs, advocating for a reclassification of these areas to secure necessary funding for development.

The Federal Infrastructure Minister’s office has described Donnybrook Road as a “vital link” and confirmed that planning for the expanded upgrade is underway, with construction expected to begin in early 2028. Local officials and residents alike are hopeful that these upgrades will alleviate some of the persistent traffic congestion that has become a daily challenge for many.