Long suffering motorists in Melbourne’s west could be about to get some respite with new lanes on the West Gate Freeway to open next month.
The state government announced on Friday, February 7, that three new inbound express lanes on the freeway, running inbound from the M80 Ring Road interchange to the West Gate Bridge, will open in March.
Part of the West Gate Tunnel Project, the new lanes are aimed at reducing the impact of weaving and merging traffic by separating traffic in the express lanes from the entry and exit ramps off Grieve Parade, Millers Road, and Williamstown Road inbound.
The opening of the new lanes will mark the end of the first phase of major summer works on the West Gate Freeway and tunnel project which have caused major disruptions for motorists.
However, ahead of the opening there will be lane and ramp closures citybound on the West Gate Freeway from February 15 to early March.
The outbound express lanes will be introduced later this year, providing a direct journey from the approach over Williamstown Road to the M80 Ring Road and Princes Freeway.
The freeway will be monitored by a state-of-the-art traffic management system that will include electronic signs to alert drivers to lane closures or traffic diversions in case of breakdowns or accidents.
The system is designed to help manage traffic more effectively and minimise delays, ensuring safer and more efficient travel.
Transport Infrastructure Minister Gabrielle Williams said providing safer and quicker travel for motorists was the whole point of the West Gate Tunnel Project.
“Every Victorian wants to spend less time stuck in traffic and more time with family, that’s why we’re delivering major road upgrades and the West Gate Tunnel – providing faster and safer journeys for decades to come,” Ms Williams said.
