William Scott
The Federal and Victorian Governments have announced a joint investment towards two major road projects in Melbourne.
Up to $333.5 million will be invested towards the Werribee Main Road – Princes Freeway Interchange Upgrade and the Ballan Road Intersection Upgrade.
The projects are set to cut congestion, improve travel times and boost safety in Melbourne’s growing west.
The Werribee Main Road – Princes Freeway Interchange Upgrade will deliver more traffic lights at key intersections, a roundabout at the Princes Freeway exit ramp to Wests Road, a new lane to the Werribee Main Road bridge, and an improved citybound entry ramp – cutting peak travel times by over ten minutes every day.
These improvements will increase capacity, while reducing bottlenecks and dangerous queuing in peak periods, making it safer and easier for the daily 10,000 motorists that use the intersection.
In Wyndham Vale, the Ballan Road Intersection Upgrade will replace the current roundabout with traffic lights at McGrath, Ballan and Greens roads, as well as deliver better walking and cycling paths to improve connectivity and safety.
The Victorian Government has previously backed its share to the Ballan Road Upgrade as part of the $674 million Road Blitz to Get Families Home Sooner and Safer Package.
The projects will both build on the benefits of the Ison Road Overpass and Extension, which is expected to be completed next year – allowing motorists in Melbourne’s west to travel seamlessly in and around Werribee’s town centre.
The two upgrades will create 1,624 jobs and Major Road Projects Victoria will deliver the upgrades, with construction timelines to be confirmed once detailed design plans progress.
The Federal Government is investing $19.5 billion towards transport infrastructure projects in Victoria over the next ten years.
Premier of Victoria, Jacinta Allan, said,“Every Victorian wants to spend less time stuck in traffic and more time with family – that’s why we’re delivering major road upgrades across Melbourne’s west and faster and safer journeys for decades to come.”
Federal Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government, Catherine King, said, “We are committed to working with the Victorian Government to deliver quality transport infrastructure projects that get people home faster and safer, which is why we’re investing in these crucial road upgrades at Werribee and Wyndham Vale.”
Victorian Minister for Transport Infrastructure, Gabrielle Williams, said, “We are getting on and delivering these two important road upgrades in Melbourne’s west, which will pave the way for faster and safer journeys for decades to come.”
