The Victorian government has announced the merger of two key infrastructure bodies to create a new overarching authority.

The Major Transport Infrastructure Authority (MTIA) and the Victorian Health Building Authority (VHBA) will come together to become the Victorian Infrastructure Delivery Authority (VIDA), which will oversee the delivery of both transport and health infrastructure.

The government says the change is aimed at creating a bigger talent pool to work across a diverse range of big projects, and ensure operations are more streamlined and efficient.

VIDA will be comprised of 4 project offices, Major Road Projects Victoria, Level Crossing Removal Project, the Metro Tunnel and the Victorian Health Building Authority, overseen by Director-General Kevin Devlin.

Its work will include more than 200 projects including the Metro Tunnel, North East Link, removing level crossings, an upgrades to hospitals and early parenting centres.

Rail Projects Victoria (RPV) will become the Metro Tunnel Project, with a focus on testing and commissioning ahead of its 2025 opening.

The Regional Rail Revival and Melbourne Airport Rail will transfer to the Level Crossing Removal Project (LXRP) to focus on project development and delivery.

Once the Metro Tunnel Project is complete, all rail projects will be brought into a single project office focused on rail infrastructure.

The creation of VIDA recognises the importance of delivering critical projects across the health and transport portfolios, the government says.

Mr Devlin said the change reflected an evolution of the way major projects are delivered in the state.

“This is a great opportunity to use our vast expertise and skills to deliver both major transport and health infrastructure projects together for the Victorian community,” he said in a statement.

“As we continue to deliver an unprecedented infrastructure program and crucial health services, we’re evolving the way we work to best deliver projects that produce the best value and outcomes.”

Victorian Health Building Authority CEO Megan Bourke-O’Neil said it was an exciting opportunity to share collective experience under on united united infrastructure delivery agency.

Transport infrastructure minister Danny Pearson will retain responsible for transport infrastructure and health infrastructure Mary-Anne Thomas holds onto health infrastructure.