The concept was announced as part of the Victorian Transport Plan in November 2008,[1] with planning commenced in late 2007 but not widely publicised until February 2008.

[3] The Outer Metropolitan Ring (OMR) planning study has been established by VicRoads to investigate transport requirements and options for the Werribee – Melton – Tullamarine – Mickleham corridor.

It is intended to ultimately provide for an eight lane freeway (four lanes in each direction) together with four rail lines within the median space for interstate freight and high speed passenger trains.

Access restoration roads and crossings are included in the proposal.

This concept also included a proposed E6 Transport Corridor from the Hume Freeway at Kalkallo to the Metropolitan Ring Road in Thomastown, as well as another road connection from the Deer Park Bypass to the Outer Metropolitan Ring Road.