Major winter projects announced for Victoria’s Big Build

A variety of works are now underway as part of the Victorian Government’s Big Build winter plan.

Several roadwork projects and major planned disruptions have been announced across the west, north and south east areas of Melbourne as well as regional Victoria.

As the West Gate Tunnel nears completion, there will be some outbound lane and ramp closures on the West Gate Freeway.

This will reduce outbound travel to three lanes between Williamstown Road and Millers Road, with the Williamstown outbound onramp to be closed along with the Millers Road exit ramp.

Victorian Transport Association (VTA) CEO, Peter Anderson, recently discussed the West Gate Tunnel Project’s planned effects to increase productivity and help to meet the growing freight demands of the economy at the VTA Ministerial Breakfast.

“The West Gate Tunnel is a pivotal advancement for transport operators in and around the Port of Melbourne,” he said.

Meanwhile, tunnelling on the North East Link Project is advancing. Two tunnel boring machines (TBM) recently relaunched to continue their progress to Bulleen.

The North East Link Project will connect key growth areas in Melbourne, improve transport connections and enhance local infrastructure.

According to Federal Member for Jagajaga, Kate Thwaites, the project is set to provide the state with a range of economic benefits in addition to better transport options.

“This shows the Commonwealth is once again partnering with Victorian infrastructure, in job creation and in building the economy, as we deliver this important project for our local community,” she said.

The first completed section of a major new interchange on the Eastern Freeway is near completion.

Drivers will move onto new Bulleen Road lanes next month.

In Watsonia, crews will continue work to extend a rail tunnel to make way for the North East Link to connect to the M80 Ring Road.

Crews on the Clyde Road Upgrade in Berwick will close the Princes Freeway citybound exit ramp onto Clyde Road from this month to November.

The Clyde Road entry ramp onto the Princes Freeway Warragul-bound will be closed from July until October.

In other news, Pacific National’s St Mary’s Intermodal Terminal has been acquired for $145 million.