The Victorian Transport Association has officially backed a $400 million state government plan to widen Monash Freeway.

The industry association sees it as a way to make the pivotal road connection less congested and safer.

“The Monash is the most important freight corridor for vehicles travelling to and from Melbourne’s south east,” VTA CEO Peter Anderson says.

“The Victorian government’s significant investment in this infrastructure demonstrates it understands the frustrations that freight operators and other road users have had with persistent congestion on the Monash.

“The upgrades... will make a massive contribution to improving productivity for freight operators.

“Every second a vehicle isn’t spent sitting idly in traffic is time it can otherwise be spent making deliveries, which translates into economic activity for the operator and the state, something all Victorians should welcome.”

There should be safety improvements from the project as well.

“Any measure that improves safety is to be welcomed, and if the smart technology and traffic management systems included in the upgrade leads to a 20 per cent reduction in serious crashes, that will translate into fewer injuries and fatalities, along with less traffic blockages,” Anderson says.

He says the industry is encouraged by word that the federal government wants to invest in Victorian road infrastructure projects.

“For too long, Victoria has been overlooked when it comes to Commonwealth road infrastructure spending,” he said.

“As a road of national significance we would hope this project will qualify for a federal contribution, therefore freeing up state funding for other critical transport projects.”