William Scott
Three new inbound express lanes are set to open on Melbourne’s West Gate Freeway in March, delivering quicker trips and less congested roads in the city’s west.
Victorian Minister for Transport Infrastructure, Gabrielle Williams, made the announcement that the lanes will soon open following resurfacing works and the installation of new barriers – with express lanes running inbound from the M80 Ring Road interchange to the West Gate Bridge.
The works are being delivered as part of the State Government’s West Gate Tunnel Project and will reduce the impact of weaving and merging traffic – separating traffic in the express lanes from the busy entry and exit ramps off Grieve Parade, Millers Road, and Williamstown Road inbound.
The outbound express lanes will be introduced later in 2025, providing a direct journey from the approach over Williamstown Road to the M80 Ring Road and Princes Freeway.
The freeway will be monitored by a state-of-the-art traffic management system that will include electronic signs to alert drivers to lane closures or traffic diversions in case of breakdowns or accidents.
This system will help manage traffic more effectively and minimise delays, ensuring safer and more efficient travel.
The West Gate Tunnel Project will make commutes faster and more reliable for drivers from Melbourne’s outer western suburbs, saving them around 20 minutes through new express lanes and providing an alternative to the West Gate Bridge.
As the first phase of major summer works ends, there will be lane and ramp closures citybound on the West Gate Freeway from 15 February to early March.
The West Gate Tunnel Project will not only provide benefits for road users in the outer west but also provide the missing link in the Federation Trail, improving accessibility for pedestrians and cyclists by upgrading and building 14km of paths, and delivering a continuous route from Werribee to the city.
Minister Williams said that every Victorian wants to spend less time stuck in traffic and more time with family.
“That’s why we’re delivering major road upgrades and the West Gate Tunnel – providing faster and safer journeys for decades to come,” Ms Williams said.
“The West Gate Tunnel will take 9,000 trucks off local roads and slash commute times by at least 20 minutes for people living in Werribee.”
