Weekend lane closures on Tulla Freeway as cold weather slows roadworks

RAIN delaying road works, we’ve heard that one before, but now Tulla drivers can curse the winter weather when they’re stuck in traffic. Here’s why.

LANES will be closed on the CityLink-Tullamarine Freeway over several weekends because wintry weather has slowed night-time surfacing work.

Recent overnight temperatures have been too low for newly laid asphalt to dry so the work will have to be done during the day when it’s warmer, starting from June 23.

The asphalting is part of the final stage of the $1.3 billion widening project which began in 2015.

Drivers are being warned of delays getting to and from Melbourne Airport, VicRoads said.

Some ramps will be closed on the M80 Ring Road’s entry and exit to the Tulla.

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Weekend motorists can expect delays on the Tulla this weekend. Picture: David Smith

A lane will also be closed on the Swan St bridge for the next two weekends while bridge bearings and joints are installed. Traffic will be restricted to one lane each way between 10pm Friday and 4am Monday.

CityLink Tulla Widening project director Dipal Sorathia said that until now most asphalting had been conducted at night.

“However, with the colder weather now here, we need to complete some of the final works during the day, to ensure asphalt can dry and set in warmer temperatures,’’ Mr Sorathia said.

Some lanes will be closed on the Tullamarine Freeway this weekend. Picture: Nicole Garmston

“We’ll continue to stage these important lane closures over weekends when traffic volumes are lower and ensure we keep the project moving while minimising impacts on drivers.’’

The daytime work will be done over an unknown number of weekends during winter.

Delays of about 15 minutes are expected.

Roads Minister Luke Donnellan said travel times had already been halved during the morning peak — cutting almost nine minutes off the journey between Bulla Rd and the Bolte Bridge.

“Once we get this project done, capacity will be boosted by 30 per cent, delivering a smoother journey for people travelling to and from the airport,” Mr Donnellan said.

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@IanRoyall