Federal Wannon MP Dan Tehan will announce on Saturday the road has joined the National Land Transport Network, a push he said he wanted to happen since his 2010 election.

A previous state government bid for the road to be included on the network in 2014 was unsuccessful, while a campaign to have the highway recognised as nationally significant stretches back two decades.

"This is something the community has been fighting for a long time, the last time the network was reviewed we missed out," Mr Tehan said.

"It being added to the national road network means the Commonwealth will contribute more money to the maintenance of the Princes Highway."

The network recognises the road as one of Australia's key freight routes, but will not see works begin yet.

The federal government offered $140 million for works on the highway in Wannon before the 2019 election, but the state government is yet to begin work or agree to contribute funds.

"Because this is a state government road we are still dependent on them to do the physical work," Mr Tehan said.

He said the listing included a commitment from the Commonwealth to contribute to maintaining the road even after long-anticipated upgrades.

"We can fix it and then we can maintain it," Mr Tehan said.

'"From a Commonwealth and a state perspective they're recongising how important this road is, for freight, the community to get and from work and sporting events. So there is no excuses for anyone to not be investing'."

The Princes Highway West Action Alliance's Stephen Lucas said the network listing was a "key part of a long-term vision" for the highway that now meant the alliance would continue to lobby the state government to start work.

"The benefits that come from joining with the Commonwealth in this critical work far outweigh the cost of doing so even though we're in a difficult budgetary environment," he said.

Mr Lucas said for every dollar spent on the road there was a $2.45 return.

"That's a really high ratio of benefit. Especially when you take into account that the Commonwealth is funding the majority of the cost," he said.

Mr Tehan said he had spoken with Deputy Prime Minister Michael McCormack on Monday.

"They are meeting again with the state government again this week. There is still exchanges going on but my hopes we are weeks if not a couple of months away from announcing something," he said.

"You fight hard to get money allocated and you want to see it spent. I understand the frustration and I share it. Nothing would make me happier than seeing shovels in the ground."

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