The Albanese and Carroll Labor governments are getting on with delivering a major upgrade of the Western Freeway between Melton and Caroline Springs.
Building on the Albanese Government's existing $1 billion investment, the Carroll Labor Government has today announced that they will invest a further $550 million to improve safety and reduce congestion for the tens of thousands of people who use the Western Freeway every day.
The project will deliver approximately 30 kilometres of new lanes along the freeway and upgrade key interchanges to keep people moving across Melbourne's growing west.
The upgrade will widen the freeway to three lanes in each direction between Ferris Road and Hopkins Road and widen the freeway to four lanes in each direction between Hopkins Road and Ballarat Road.
Key interchanges at Ferris Road, Leakes Road and Hopkins Road will also be improved to boost traffic flow and safety.
At Hopkins Road, drivers will benefit from additional lanes across the bridge to Neale Road, improved citybound connections from Neale Road and new traffic lights to give local communities better access to the freeway.
A new half interchange at Mount Cottrell Road will provide a Ballarat-bound exit ramp and a citybound freeway entry ramp, giving local communities better access to the freeway.
Drivers will also benefit from a consistent 100 km/h speed limit between Ferris Road and Ballarat Road.
We are also listening to community feedback, installing temporary traffic lights at the Leakes Road Interchange - with the lights expected to be operating by early 2027.
Pre-construction works are also now underway, including design development, site investigations and planning approvals ahead of major construction.
Quotes attributable to Victorian Premier Ben Carroll
"We have listened to the community. Better local roads in growing areas are my priority."
"I want to help working people in the west spend less time on the road and more time where they need to be."
Quotes attributable to Federal Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government Catherine King
"We're investing in the infrastructure that keeps Melbourne's growing communities connected and keeps Victoria moving."
"I welcome this additional investment in Melbourne's west and I'm proud the Albanese Government is helping to deliver it."
Quote attributable to Victorian Minister for Roads and Road Safety Paul Hamer
"More lanes, better interchanges and safer connections will make a real difference for the people who use this road every day."
Quote attributable to Federal Member for Gorton Alice Jordan-Baird
"These upgrades will mean safer trips, less congestion and better connections for local families."
Quote attributable to Federal Member for Hawke Sam Rae:
"Our community deserves the infrastructure they need to get home safer and spend less time stuck in traffic - that's what this investment will deliver."
Quote attributable to State Member for Kororoit Luba Grigorovitch
"This investment is about making it easier and safer for local people to get where they need to go."
Quotes attributable to State Member for Melton Steve McGhie:
"People in Melton deserve roads that are safer, more reliable and less congested.
"That's what Labor will deliver."
