When it opens later this year, the new road will provide a direct connection between the Tullamarine Freeway and the Terminal 4 ground transport hub and parking structure, eliminating the need for drivers to navigate roundabouts and traffic lights.

The express link is part of a two-stage elevated roads project that will transform access to the terminal precinct, by providing intersection-free access to drop-off and pick-up zones for all terminals as well as grade-separating private cars and commercial vehicles.

Stage 2 of the project will connect the new roadway to the T123 parking structure, with a new drop-off and pick-up zone and direct onramps to the freeway.

Melbourne Airport Chief of Ground Transport Jai McDermott said the 1.6km of new roadways would help improve ease-of-access to the airport by reducing congestion around the busy terminal area.

“Prior to the pandemic we had around 130,000 vehicles a day accessing Melbourne Airport, and since the onset of Covid-19 we have noticed a shift towards private car use”, he said.

“The new elevated road network is a crucial part of the plan to de-congest the precinct and ensure everyone can access to terminals easily and efficiently.

“Stage 2 of this project has received federal government approval, so we plan to have construction underway by the end of this year.

Around 150 people are working to deliver Stage 1 of the elevated road system, with another 750 jobs expected to be created in the delivery of Stage 2.

Stage 2 is due to open in 2026.