- Published:
- Wednesday 22 August 2018
Drivers will see more than 20 directional and electronic signs which will help them navigate the new outbound English Street exit on the Tullamarine Freeway, which opened to traffic this morning.
Minister for Roads and Road Safety Luke Donnellan had reminded drivers heading towards Airport West and Essendon Fields to ensure they’re aware of the changes to access around Bulla Road exit.
Drivers who wish to access English Street, Essendon Fields and Airport West will now exit the freeway earlier, using the revamped Bulla Road exit before travelling on a separated road, running parallel to the existing lanes.
Signage will direct drivers to keep in the left lane when heading towards the revamped Bulla Road exit and then onto a new separated road through to English Street. After exiting, drivers will need to stay left to head towards English Street and Essendon Fields.
The new English Street exit is around two-and-a-half kilometres earlier than the existing off-ramp and, by collecting and separating this exiting traffic earlier, will reduce congestion and cut unsafe merging and weaving.
There will be 21 new signs, made up of 15 new directional signs and six more electronic signs, to ensure drivers are made aware of the new exit arrangements. Additional signage on the road will also help guide drivers.
If drivers miss the Bulla Road exit on the Tullamarine Freeway, they will be able to access English Street and Essendon Fields via the Melrose Drive exit and turning left into Matthews Avenue.
Signage will be in place to ensure drivers are directed back towards English Street and Essendon Fields.
Earlier exits and separated roads have been put in place at Bulla Road and Bell Street and Mickleham Road to the M80 Ring Road where they have reduced unsafe merging and weaving and queue lengths.
The final section of new lane will open as part of the CityLink-Tulla Widening project later this month.
The CityLink Tulla Widening is a $1.3 billion-dollar investment jointly funded by the Australian and Victorian Governments and Transurban, the operator of CityLink. The final section is being delivered by Victoria’s Major Road Projects Authority.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Road and Road Safety Luke Donnellan
“While this change will take some getting used to, there are more than 20 new signs to help guide people in the right direction.”
“These earlier exits take traffic off the freeway and put it on its own dedicated lanes – they reduce queueing and cut out dangerous merging and weaving at the old exit.”