William Scott
The federal government is investing $1.1 billion in a major upgrade for Victoria’s Western Freeway, to improve connection and productivity between Melbourne and Adelaide.
This brings the federal government’s total investment in the Western Freeway corridor to $2.1 billion.
Approximately 86,000 vehicles travel the Western Freeway stretch between Melton and Caroline Springs every single day, with this figure expected to rise to approximately 113,000 by 2031.
It’s a critical transport route for passengers and freight, which links with major freight routes throughout the state including Midland, Sunraysia, Pyrenees, Henty and Wimmera Highways.
The investment will go towards improving capacity and safety along the freeway between Melton and Caroline Springs, with upgrades to be identified and prioritised between the federal and Victorian governments from the jointly funded business case being finalised by the Victorian Government.
$100 million will be allocated towards planning and early works to upgrade the intersection of the freeway with Brewery Tap Road in Warrenheip.
In addition, the government is providing $6.1 million towards two bridge strengthening upgrades between Stawell and the South Australian border.
The federal and state governments will undertake bridge strengthening works at the Dimboola Bridge over the Melbourne-Adelaide Railway Line and Dadswells Bridge over the Mt William Creek Floodplain, reducing transit times and providing better efficiency of freight movements between rural industries and manufacturers, while allowing for industry growth and regional development.
Construction of these bridge upgrades is expected to commence in 2025 and end by 2026.
Federal Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government, Catherine King, said that the government is investing in the transport projects that matter most to Victorians, delivering a rail link to Melbourne Airport, fixing regional and suburban roads, and strengthening the busiest freeways.
“We’re investing $2.1 billion in the Western Freeway corridor, $7 billion in the Melbourne Airport rail link, and $1 billion in a suburban road blitz because we care about our cities, our suburbs and our regions,” Ms King said.
