The Allan Labor Government's West Gate Tunnel Project is urging motorists to plan ahead as major traffic disruptions are expected this weekend on the West Gate Freeway with outbound lane and ramp closures in place to remove a huge tower crane in the middle of the freeway.
The 50-metre-high tower crane has been pivotal in the construction of the outbound tunnel exit, between Williamstown and Millers Road and will be dismantled piece by piece.
The crane has been lifting pieces of the tunnel ventilation structure into place over the past two years, including the steel frame and cladding.
Motorists are advised to avoid the West Gate Bridge and expect significant delays of up to an hour from Friday, 11 April at 11:59 pm to Monday, 14 April at 5:00 am, with the West Gate Freeway to be reduced to two lanes outbound, between Williamstown Road and Millers Road.
All lanes of the West Gate Freeway will also be closed overnight outbound between Williamstown Road and Millers Road on Friday and Sunday nights for the setup and dismantling of a 450-tonne crane to assist with the weekend work.
Additionally, the Williamstown Road outbound entry ramp will be closed across the weekend.
The works continue the countdown to the West Gate Tunnel Project being completed later this year, with crews over recent months resurfacing sections of the West Gate Freeway, installing road barriers and finalising the inbound express lanes layout.
The West Gate Tunnel Project will provide a vital second river crossing, easing congestion on the West Gate Bridge and improving travel across Melbourne's west, while significantly reducing truck traffic on local roads by the end of 2025, benefiting motorists and the wider community.
To plan ahead and to keep updated, visit bigbuild.vic.gov.au/disruptions.
As stated by Minister for Transport Infrastructure Gabrielle Williams
"Works are progressing well on the West Gate Tunnel's twin tunnels which will help take 9,000 trucks off local roads."
"During the weekend works, plan ahead and allow extra time to get where you need to go."
