Tender process begins for Vic toll road

Victoria's $5.5 billion Western Distributor toll road has been put out to market even though the government is yet to sign a contract with tolling company Transurban.

Premier Daniel Andrews says while the contract with Transurban isn't finalised, Labor wants to get cracking on the project.

"Of course there are processes to go through, talks to be had, and detail to be settled - but there is no time to waste on this," Mr Andrews told reporters on Tuesday.

The state government fully funded the project in the April budget, arguing the federal government was refusing to cough up any commonwealth cash.

The project will include a tunnel and second river crossing that could cut travel times from Geelong and the west to the city by 20 minutes.

Mr Andrews on Tuesday said a field of world-class constructors were expected to bid for the project, including John Holland and Lendlease in separate joint ventures.

Construction is scheduled to begin in late 2017 and to be completed by 2022.