As part of the government's pre-budget campaigning, Mr Brumby last week told a small contingent of residents the duplication of Clyde Road from Kangan Drive to High Street was "a great example of a partnership project".

He said the state government had committed $25.6 million in the 2010-11 budget to be coupled with $30 million of federal government funding with the project scheduled for completion in 2013.

"We have seen from residents how important this project is and, with the growth in the area, we need to get this right," Mr Brumby said.

Grade separation at the Clyde Road railway crossing is not on the government's agenda.

Mr Brumby said it would not be a financially viable project.

"In an ideal world it would be good to do," he said.

Gembrook MP Tammy Lobato was pleased with the funding boost.

"It is very welcome news for many residents living in and around the Clyde Road corridor."

Ms Lobato said retention of the character of Berwick Village would be ruined by a grade separation at the railway crossover.

"That is important to keep, so this project is the best of both worlds."

With a number of trees to be removed to make way for roadworks, some residents expressed concerns about the loss of streetscape in the area.

But Ms Lobato assured them VicRoads would look to retain the aesthetics of the street.

"It is very important to us and to the community that as many trees are retained as possible along Clyde Road."

Fellow campaigner Narre Warren South MP Judith Graley said the community would benefit greatly from duplication.

She said motorists could look forward to better traffic flow and less time on the road once the project was complete.

Federal La Trobe MP Jason Wood congratulated residents and businesses who campaigned hard for the upgrades.

He said that without their dedication to the cause it may never have gone ahead. "The project should have been signed, sealed and delivered by now, and sadly, residents will need to wait until the end of 2013 to make the upgrade a reality."

Planning and design for the $55.6million project is to start immediately and work is expected to begin by the end of 2011.