Melbourne’s west is set for safer journeys on the West Gate Freeway, with the first new lanes now open between Millers Road and the M80 Ring Road interchange, completing a busy summer campaign of works on the Allan Labor Government’s West Gate Tunnel Project.
Minister for Transport Infrastructure Danny Pearson announced motorists can enjoy increased capacity and smoother rides on this section of the freeway via two new lanes outbound and one new lane inbound.
There are also new changes to the West Gate Freeway between the M80 Ring Road interchange and Millers Road, which is split into two carriageways in both directions – creating better traffic flow as it reduces weaving and merging.
New dedicated lanes are in place for people travelling directly to the West Gate Bridge, Geelong and Ballarat, with dedicated exit lanes at Grieve Parade and Millers Road.
As we get on with widening the West Gate Freeway from eight to 12 through lanes, major road work is continuing around Williamstown Road to build the tunnel entries and exits.
During March 2024, there will also be single lane closures on the Princes Freeway outbound towards Kororoit Creek Road to complete road resurfacing works.
The project’s summer campaign also completed stage one works on a new walking and cycling bridge over Footscray Road, which included installing two 37-metre green pylons, lifting the bridge deck into place, and connecting supporting cables.
With the completion of the first stage of works on the bridge, Footscray Road has now reopened between Dudley Street and City Link, but there will be ongoing lane closures near Moonee Ponds Creek as ongoing works continue in the area.
Work has also been completed on the second stage of the new Wurundjeri Way city bypass that will take up to 5,000 vehicles a day off Spencer and King streets, after 3,700 tonnes of asphalt was laid.
The West Gate Tunnel Project will transform travel in Melbourne’s west – delivering a vital alternative to the West Gate Bridge, cutting congestion and taking 9,000 trucks a day off local roads.
As stated by Minister for Transport Infrastructure Danny Pearson
“Opening the first new lanes on the West Gate Freeway means motorists will now enjoy smoother and safer rides between Millers Road and the M80 Ring Road interchange.”
“There’s still plenty to be done as we get on with this vital project that will transform travel between Melbourne’s west and the city from 2025.”
“We thank the community for their continued patience and understanding during a busy summer campaign on the West Gate Tunnel project.”
