Summer construction activities have kicked off across the West Gate Tunnel Project to widen the West Gate Freeway from 8 to 12 through lanes.
The intense construction program will finish up on Monday 28 February, and while there are delays expected across the West Gate Freeway, drivers are encouraged to drive safely and follow detours in place.
At the end of summer, approximately 70 per cent of the West Gate Freeway widening works will be completed, bringing the project one step closer to delivering a safer Freeway and helping to slash travel times to and from the city.
The following ramps and roads have been closed to carry out vital works, around-the-clock:
- M80 Ring Road ramp to Princes Freeway (Geelong-bound)
- West Gate Freeway outbound exit ramp to M80 Ring Road (Greensborough-bound)
- Williamstown Road inbound entry ramp to the West Gate Freeway
- Williamstown Road inbound exit ramp from the West Gate Freeway (until Feb 14)
- West Gate Freeway inbound lane above Williamstown Road
- Williamstown Road in both directions under the West Gate Freeway (until Feb 14)
At Williamstown Road bridges are being strengthened to make way for the new lanes, the road is being resurfaced, new traffic islands built and installing a 50,000 litre tank to catch debris, protecting nearby waterways.
At the M80 Ring Road interchange, the ramps will be realigned, new drainage installed and the surface rebuilt to make it stronger and smoother.
While detours and delays can be frustrating, drivers are urged to slow down and take extra care on the roads.
Careful consideration has been given to identify the most appropriate detour routes and install signs to help people get around. We are working closely with Victoria Police and the relevant authorities to monitor speed compliance and ensure drivers are travelling safely along detour routes.
We recognise that these summer works are disruptive and have created inconvenience to drivers and local residents and businesses. We have scheduled these works during the summer holiday period when the roads are typically quieter to minimise impact as much as possible.
In addition to the freeway widening construction over summer, construction continues on the on the Hyde Street ramps, which when complete will provide trucks direct access to industrial areas and keep them off local inner-west roads. This will be a significant benefit for local communities and one of the key benefits that the West Gate Tunnel Project will deliver for Melbourne’s west.
We want to take this time to thank drivers for their patience during the disruptive works along the West Gate Freeway.
Where possible, avoid travelling in peak periods, take an alternative way to avoid works, consider taking public transport where available or consider working from home if appropriate.
There are fully signed detours in place, however, stay up to date with all detours on Victoria’s Big Build Disruptions page and the West Gate Tunnel Project’s Facebook page.
