Melbourne’s first new CBD bypass in 25 years is set to open, with the Allan Labor Government unveiling the Wurundjeri Way extension.
Drivers will be able to use the new toll-free road, providing a direct link between Dynon Road and Flinders Street. The extension offers a faster and safer connection into Docklands and the Marvel Stadium precinct.
Premier Jacinta Allan, Minister for Transport Infrastructure Gabrielle Williams, and Minister for Roads and Road Safety Melissa Horne visited the new road ahead of its opening.
The new route will allow motorists to avoid the CBD when travelling across the city. Drivers from areas like Footscray will be able to reach Docklands or the southern suburbs more easily, without needing to navigate busy streets like Spencer or King.
Opening the extension is also expected to ease congestion during major events around Docklands by providing an extra entry and exit point. It is estimated to remove up to 5,000 vehicles a day from some of Melbourne’s busiest roads, including Spencer and King streets.
The Wurundjeri Way extension is part of the West Gate Tunnel Project and will support more than 73,000 workers and 17,500 residents in Docklands by improving traffic flow through the inner city.
Once the West Gate Tunnel opens, it will offer a safer and more efficient alternative to the West Gate Bridge and remove more than 9,000 trucks from local streets.
Victorians will have the chance to explore the new tunnel during the West Gate Tunnel Discovery Day on Sunday, 16 November. Visitors can walk or run through the tunnels before joining a family celebration at Yarraville Gardens.
Registrations are open at westgatetunnelproject.vic.gov.au/discoveryday.
“The new Wurundjeri Way extension will make getting around our city easier – providing another connection for Melbourne’s west to the CBD, and the first new CBD bypass in a quarter of a century,” said Premier Jacinta Allan.
“The Wurundjeri Way extension will transform travel across the city and western suburbs – while easing traffic on busy city thoroughfares like Spencer and King,” said Minister for Transport Infrastructure Gabrielle Williams.