Improving efficiency on key route in Victoria

Travel times on a key Melbourne route will be significantly reduced through upgrades and capacity improvements undertaken as part of the Nation Building Program.

The Western Ring Road Upgrade is a $1.2 billion project jointly funded by the Australian and Victorian Governments. The Australian Government is contributing $900 million, including $5 million early start funding and $15 million as part of the Nation Building – Economic Stimulus Plan to accelerate early works.

More than 142,000 vehicles travel the M80 (which incorporates the 28 kilometre Western Ring Road and the 10 kilometre Metropolitan Ring Road) per day, including more than 22,000 trucks.

Travel times will be reduced by up to 25 minutes as a result of the package of works. These works are also set to improve safety, increase capacity and reduce congestion along this busy route, which connects Melbourne with the Port of Melbourne and regional Victoria.

These works included 1.5 kilometres of priority lane widening on the Western Ring Road, from the Deer Park Bypass interchange to Boundary Road, Altona-bound. This section opened to traffic on 30 July 2009.

Project manager Trevor Boyd said 38 kilometres of the M80 will be upgraded by VicRoads, beginning with the section between the Tullamarine Freeway and Sydney Road. Preliminary works began in November between Pascoe Vale Road and Merlynston Creek.

“The road will be upgraded in sections to minimise disruption, with the most congested sections being worked on first,” Mr Boyd said.

The safety of motorists will also be a top priority during construction and Mr Boyd said that while steps will be taken to minimise disruption, motorists will need to be patient during the works.

“Speed limits will be reduced to 80 kilometres an hour in both directions and will remain at this speed until works are complete,” Mr Boyd said.

“At times, the speed limit may be further reduced to ensure the safety of workers and drivers.”
Other changes to traffic conditions along this section of the road during construction will include the installation of concrete barriers along the median, amended lane configurations and the use of the emergency lane for traffic.

The section between the Tullamarine Freeway and Sydney Road is expected to be completed by the end of 2012.

Drivers can stay up to date with what is happening on the upgrade by visiting www.vicroads.vic.gov.au/m80upgrade where they can register for regular email updates or traffic alerts.

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