Two of Melbourne’s busiest freeways will receive $100 million from the Commonwealth to ease congestion as the Morrison government moves to claw back political ground in Victoria before the election.

The federal government will provide $50 million each for upgrades including extra lanes on the Hume and Calder freeways, both of which have become increasingly congested as the population in Melbourne’s north and west soars.

Prime Minister Scott Morrison in Melbourne. Credit:Erik Anderson

The Morrison government’s move to bolster its infrastructure credentials in Melbourne comes as Victorian Liberals are still reeling from their devastating state election loss in November. Several Victorian Liberal-held seats are considered vulnerable at the next federal election.

The Andrews government has frequently clashed with the Commonwealth over infrastructure funding, pointing to figures that show Victoria is getting far less than other states despite its rapidly growing population.