The Allan Labor Government is powering onto the next stage of the West Gate Tunnel Project's Wurundjeri Way extension - bringing the project one step closer to delivering Melbourne's first new CBD bypass in decades.
Minister for Transport Infrastructure Danny Pearson today announced vital works to widen Wurundjeri Way will begin from Tuesday, 2 July - with its northbound carriageway to be reduced to one lane at the Flinders Street intersection during works.
The lane closure will be in place until mid-September so crews can safely complete pavement resurfacing, electrical system installation and asphalting as works continue to widen Wurundjeri Way by one lane in each direction between Flinders Street and Dudley Street.
Motorists are urged to plan their journey ahead and to expect delays of up to 10 minutes during peak hours.
The Wurundjeri Way extension between Dudley Street and Dynon Road is quickly taking shape - with 1.6 kilometres of new bridges and ramps built, 581 bridge parapets installed, and asphalting is already well advanced on this new section of Wurundjeri Way.
Once open, the Wurundjeri Way city bypass will reduce traffic across Docklands and Melbourne's CBD, and will take up to 5,000 cars off Spencer and King streets every day.
The West Gate Tunnel Project will deliver a vital alternative to the West Gate Bridge, providing a much-needed second river crossing, cutting congestion and taking 9,000 trucks a day off local roads.
It will also create more than 14 kilometres of new and upgraded walking and cycling paths, and close to nine hectares of new parks and wetlands.
As stated by Minister for Transport Infrastructure Danny Pearson
"The Wurundjeri Way extension is a key part of the West Gate Tunnel Project that will deliver the first new city bypass in nearly 25 years."
"Once complete, the new Wurundjeri Way will transform travel between the north, city and western suburbs, allowing motorists to avoid the CBD grid by travelling directly from Dynon Road to Flinders Street."
As stated by Member for Footscray Katie Hall
"We thank motorists for their patience as we get on with these essential works on this new city bypass, which will take traffic off key local roads."
