Fifth lane finally opens on Swan St Bridge to reduce Yarra River traffic chaos

A NEW fifth lane on the Swan St Bridge opens on Sunday, easing congestion and cutting travel times for those using the historic Yarra River crossing.

A NEW fifth lane on the Swan St Bridge opens on Sunday, easing congestion and cutting travel times for those using the historic Yarra River crossing.

Roads Minister Luke Donnellan said the extra lane eastbound would shave up to five minutes off journey times for motorists travelling between City Rd and Hoddle St.

Queues will be reduced along Alexandra Ave, with eastbound traffic now using three lanes over the widened bridge.

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The fifth lane on the Swan St Bridge will open today. Picture: Jake Nowakowski

The new lane will boost ­capacity, giving Richmond-bound traffic a dedicated lane and reducing frustrating and unsafe queue-jumping from the right-turn lane.

“We know that this has been a frustrating process at times, but today we can deliver some relief to drivers that use the Swan St Bridge,” Mr Donnellan said.

The work was first announced more than five years ago. Picture: Jake Nowakowski

Bridge upgrade work will continue until mid-year, when the southern shared user path is due to be completed.

Some minor ongoing, overnight closures will allow crews to install lighting, underground sensors, barriers, ­signalling and final asphalting.

Cycling paths will also be reopened under the bridge when the upgrade is finished.

More than 30,000 vehicles use the bridge daily.

Work will continue until the middle of the year to complete the shared user path. Picture: Jake Nowakowski