The first stage of Melbourne's Outer Metropolitan Ring road, a 100-kilometre project designed to ease traffic congestion in the outer suburbs, is expected to be completed within six years, according to government planners.

Infrastructure Victoria has endorsed the project, emphasizing that existing freeways are becoming increasingly congested, which threatens freight efficiency and overall traffic flow.

The state government has already spent $350 million compensating landowners along the proposed corridor, with total costs projected to surpass $2.7 billion.

This massive infrastructure project, estimated to cost around $31 billion, is deemed vital for Melbourne's future freight, traffic needs, and economic growth, with a completion target set for 2031, five years earlier than initially planned.

Landowner Jeffrey Barrett, whose 63-hectare property was partially reserved in 2010, is currently engaged in a legal battle over compensation after being denied a development permit and claiming his land value has decreased due to the reservation.

The ring road will connect the Princes Freeway in Little River to the M80 in Thomastown, featuring up to eight lanes and a four-track freight rail line in its median to support freight movement.

The project is planned in three stages, with the eastern section costing about $6 billion, the northern section around $10.5 billion, and the southern section approximately $8.5 billion, totaling $25 billion for road infrastructure alone.

Local leaders, including LeadWest chair Phillip Zada, are calling for immediate government funding to support the rapid population growth in Melbourne's outer west, which is projected to reach one million residents by 2050.

The project aims to alleviate congestion on inner-suburban roads and the West Gate Bridge, supporting Melbourne’s growth and economic development.

Landowner Jeffrey Barrett is suing the state for $31 million, claiming that land reservations for the ring road have decreased his property's value.