Work on the $40 million first stage of the $500 million West Gate Distributor will be under way by the end of the year, according to the state government.
Expressions of interest opened last Wednesday for works to begin on a project aiming to take 5000 trucks a day off the West Gate Bridge.
Stage one works include re-routing trucks down a widened Moreland Road, as well as strengthening and widening Shepherd Bridge to six lanes.
The Maribyrnong River crossing will include bicycle lanes separated from traffic to improve safety for the 1600 cyclists using the bridge each day.
The tolled distributor will include new West Gate Freeway on and off ramps to accommodate the expected increase of trucks visiting Swanson Dock to 12,000 each day within 20 years.
Community consultation on the project will begin next month.
Premier Daniel Andrews said shortlisted contractors would be invited to submit tenders in May, the contract would be awarded mid-year, and construction would start by the end of the year.
“Building the West Gate Distributor and removing 50 of our most dangerous and congested level crossings will make it easier for Victorians to get to work every morning,” Mr Andrews said.
Roads Minister Luke Donnellan said the West Gate Distributor would make driving between the city and the western suburbs faster and safer.
