Opposition Leader Daniel Andrews unveiled a $17.2 million plan to double the road from two lanes to four lanes on Thursday.

The street will be widened between Weeroona Avenue and Scott Street in a bid to improve traffic flow and safety.

Plans to widen the road have been mooted for several years and Mr Andrews said it was time for action.

“This is what’s needed, it’s what’s wanted, it was what should have happened many years ago in some ways,” he said.

“It’s what the community needs and wants.

“It’s what our economy needs also and it’s what only a Labor government will deliver after the November 29 election.”

Planning works have been completed and money will be available in Labor’s first year in power if elected, Mr Andrews said.

He said he believed land would not need to be acquired.

When asked if other sections of the road would be widened, Mr Andrews said there would be further ALP road announcements.  

Member for Bendigo East Jacinta Allan said the most significant benefit would be safety.

“Safety will be improved along Napier Street as a result of these works,” she said.

“The issue of congestion along Napier Street, the issue of safety, the difficulty residents have turning onto Napier Street from side streets is consistently raised with me.

“I’m very pleased I’ve been able to push this project forward as part of the Labor team’s plans for Benidgo.”

The ALP also committed to widening the road at the last election. The announcement was met with community support.

Geoff Jinks said traffic was "bedlam after school" and Brett Glinksi said the change would be positive.

Member for Northern Victoria Damian Drum said the government would upgrade the Ravenswood Interchange and said the announcement was a “rehash”.