The Victorian Government has made one of the biggest investments ever for outer suburban roads to cater for the rapid population growth in Melbourne, including a $1.8 billion program of road upgrades and maintenance in the outer west.

Melbourne's population has been increasing more than any other capital city in Australia for 12 years running, with 60 per cent of that growth happening in the outer suburbs.

The program will improve safety and traffic flow, and provide better access to employment centres, freight hubs and recreation spaces.

In November 2016, the state government advertised a $1.8 billion contract for a western package. The contract will be delivered through a Public Private Partnership* (PPP), including upgrading eight arterial roads (listed below) within five years, and maintenance of approximately 700 kilometres of arterial road, spanning from Werribee to Footscray, for a further 20 years.

The following Roads will be improved as part of the Western Road Upgrades Project:
* Derrimut Road upgrade, Sayers Road to Dohertys Road, Tarneit
* Dohertys Road upgrade, Fitzgerald Road to Grieve Pde, Laverton North
* Dohertys Road upgrade, Foundation Road to Palmers Road, Truganina
* Duncans Road and Princes Freeway interchange in Werribee and Werribee South
* Dunnings Road and Palmers Road upgrade, Point Cook Road to Princes Freeway, Point Cook
* Leakes Road upgrade, Fitzgerald Road to Derrimut Road, Truganina
* Palmers Road upgrade, Princes Freeway Western Freeway, Truganina
* Princes Freeway and Forsyth Road Interchange upgrade, Hoppers Crossing