Name and Location
Western Distributor project, Australia.
Client
Victoria government and Transurban.
Project Description
The project will address the long-standing issue of truck movements in Melbourne’s inner west and provide a vital new crossing over the Maribyrnong river and direct freeway links for growing freight movements through the Port of Melbourne.
The project comprises three interrelated projects – the Western Distributor, the Monash Freeway upgrade project and the Webb dock access improvement project.
The Western Distributor will provide an alternative to the West Gate bridge, a second river crossing, and direct access to the Port of Melbourne.
It will reduce congestion, improve productivity, reduce travel times and the number of trucks in the inner west.
The project will include:
• the widening of the road from 8 to 12 lanes and other improvements along the West Gate freeway;
• a new road and tunnel under Yarraville, connecting the West Gate freeway with the Port of Melbourne, CityLink and the central business district;
• a bridge over the Maribyrnong river joining an elevated road along Footscray road;
• a direct connection to the port for trucks carrying hazardous goods;
• an improved access to the Swanson, Appleton and Webb docks;
• an eastern interchange connecting to CityLink, inner northern suburbs and the city;
• adding smart technology to the M1 managed motorway;
• improvements to traffic management on connecting roads; and
• major new cycling and walking paths.
The Monash Freeway upgrade will involve the addition of lanes from Eastlink to Clyde road, and smart technologies to improve traffic flow from Warrigal road to Koo Wee Rup road.
The upgrade will include:
• about 30 km of additional traffic lanes, all added within the existing road reserve; and
• new and upgraded ramp signals and extra space for more cars on ramps from Chadstone to Pakenham.
The Webb Dock access improvement project entails connecting freight from Webb Dock to the freeway network, making it easier and safer for trucks to enter the Bolte bridge, and creating space and traffic flow on the M1.
The project includes:
• building a separate carriageway on the north side of the West Gate Freeway to provide direct access to the Bolte bridge; and
• building a new ramp from Cook street to the Bolte bridge that will be flatter, longer and with less curve to help reduce truck roll-overs.
Value
A$5.5-billion.
Duration
Construction on the Monash Freeway upgrade will start in late 2016.
The Webb Dock access improvement project is expected to be completed in 2018.
Construction on the Western Distributor will begin in early 2018, with the entire project expected to be completed by 2022.
Latest Developments
None stated.
Key Contracts and Suppliers
None stated.
On Budget and on Time?
Not stated.
Contact Details for Project Information
For enquiries about the Western Distributor project email western.distributor@ecodev.vic. gov.au
For enquiries about Monash Freeway upgrade email monashupgrade@ecodev.vic. gov.au.