- Published:
- Thursday 5 September 2024
The Allan Labor Government’s West Gate Tunnel Project will soon be one step closer to improving travel times between the city and Melbourne’s west, constructing an extra lane on the M80 entry ramp as the next stage of works to widen the West Gate Freeway from eight to 12 lanes.
Starting from 9pm tonight, until 5am Monday, 23 September, crews will undertake asphalting and other construction works on the ramp from the M80 Ring Road to the West Gate Freeway citybound – constructing an extra lane on the entry ramp and creating smoother journeys for the thousands of vehicles that rely on it every day.
Significant delays are expected, and drivers are advised to allow an extra 45 minutes travel time as motorists detour via Boundary Road, Little Boundary Road and Grieve Parade. Alternatively, they can take a later detour by making a U-turn at Kororoit Creek Road along the Princes Freeway.
The West Gate Tunnel Project is powering ahead on other key works through spring – paving the way for completion in late 2025, which will cut congestion and take 9,000 trucks a day off local roads.
In October, the West Gate Freeway Williamstown Road citybound exit ramp will be closed until mid-November to install a new walking and cycling bridge over the top of the ramp.
A section of Footscray Road eastbound will be closed for most of October as crews edge closer to finishing the new 2.5 kilometre cycling super-highway above Footscray Road.
The West Gate Tunnel Project will transform travel in Melbourne’s west – delivering a vital alternative to the West Gate Bridge, providing a much-needed second river crossing and creating 14 kilometres of new and upgraded walking and cycling paths.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Transport Infrastructure Danny Pearson
“Widening the West Gate Freeway from eight to 12 through lanes is a key part of the West Gate Tunnel Project that will ease congestion and cut travel times for Victoria’s growing population.”
“After this two-week ramp closure, an extra lane will open to traffic heading from the M80 Ring Road to the West Gate Freeway.”