Cade Lucas
Inner-west motorists are being warned to expect major delays from tonight as roads are closed to allow for construction works on the West Gate Tunnel project.
Taking advantage of Melbourne’s summer weather, crews will asphalt the new freeway and continue construction on the tunnel’s exit structure, resulting in lanes and ramps between the West Gate Bridge and Millers Road being closed from 9pm on Monday, January 6, until Saturday, March 8.
Until mid-February, the West Gate Freeway will be reduced to three lanes in both directions between Williamstown Road and Millers Road.
During this same period, there will also be ramp closures in place at the West Gate Freeway outbound exit ramps to Millers Road and Grieve Parade.
Drivers who usually exit the freeway at Millers Road or Grieve Parade will need to exit early at Williamstown Road instead.
From February 15 until March 8, the West Gate Freeway inbound will be reduced from four lanes to three lanes between Millers Road and Williamstown Road.
The West Gate Freeway inbound entry ramps on Millers Road and Grieve Parade, along with the Williamstown Road exit ramp will also be closed.
During this period drivers travelling to the city are advised to use Williamstown Road to get on the freeway and to use the right lane to access the West Gate Bridge as there will be lane closures.
Along with smoother roads, the summer works include the installation of permanent road barriers, additional signage and new inbound express lanes that will run between the M80 Ring Road and the West Gate Bridge.
While the works have been planned to take advantage of a quieter period on the roads, delays of up to 30 minutes are still expected, and drivers are advised to plan ahead and allow extra travel time.
“We thank drivers for their patience as we get on delivering vital works to open the West Gate Tunnel later this year,” said transport infrastructure minister Gabrielle Williams.
For more information, visit: bigbuild.vic.gov.au.
