Drivers wanting to avoid West Gate traffic chaos are being urged to plan ahead as summer roadworks return to the notorious thoroughfare, causing expected delays of up to half an hour.
Lanes and ramps on the West Gate Freeway will close from 9pm on Monday for the construction of new inbound express lanes, permanent road barriers and additional signage as the West Gate Tunnel project nears completion, the state government said in a statement.
West Gate lanes and exit ramps will close.Credit: Paul Jeffers
“Crews will take advantage of Melbourne’s summer weather to asphalt the new freeway and continue construction on the tunnel exit structure,” it said.
The freeway will be reduced to three lanes in both directions between Williamstown Road and Millers Road until mid-February, and the inbound lanes will remain at that lower capacity until March 8.
Outbound exit ramps to Millers Road and Grieve Parade will also close until mid-February – drivers who usually use the exits will need to leave the freeway early at Williamstown Road.
From February 15 until March 8, the West Gate Freeway inbound entry ramps at Millers Road and Grieve Parade, and the Williamstown Road exit ramp will be shut. Drivers travelling to the city are advised to use Williamstown Road to get on the freeway and to use the right lane to access the West Gate Bridge, due to lane closures.
Transport Infrastructure Minister Gabrielle Williams thanked motorists for their patience.
“The West Gate Tunnel Project will deliver a vital alternative to the West Gate Bridge, providing a much-needed second river crossing when it opens by the end of 2025,” she said.
Start the day with a summary of the day’s most important and interesting stories, analysis and insights. Sign up for our Morning Edition newsletter.