Drivers heading into Melbourne’s city centre will face major changes on the West Gate Freeway, with citybound lane closures and new detours coming into effect this weekend. Asphalting works between Millers and Williamstown roads are moving to the inbound lanes, bringing a fresh set of disruptions.
From 11PM on Friday, 21 February, all citybound lanes between Millers and Williamstown roads will be closed. When the freeway reopens at 7AM on Saturday, 22 February, several restrictions will be in place.
The far-left lanes will remain closed, blocking citybound entries from Grieve Parade and Millers Road. Additionally, the Williamstown Road exit will be unavailable. Three lanes will remain open for express travel from the Princes Freeway and M80 Ring Road to the West Gate Bridge.
New Detours for Drivers
Motorists needing to reach Williamstown Road must exit earlier at Millers Road and follow detours via Geelong Road or Blackshaws Road. Those who miss this turn will have to continue over the West Gate Bridge, exit at Todd Road, and return via the bridge.
Drivers from Brooklyn and Altona North looking to enter the freeway can use:
- Williamstown Road
- Princes Freeway from Kororoit Creek Road
- M80 Ring Road at Boundary Road
Delays and Traffic Management
Traffic congestion is expected, with peak-time delays exceeding 30 minutes. Nearby roads will also feel the impact as detoured vehicles add pressure to local streets.
Authorities urge drivers to pay close attention to new lane markings and signage. Sudden lane changes could increase the risk of accidents, particularly as drivers adjust to the new traffic patterns.
Long-Term Improvements
The current works are part of the broader West Gate Tunnel Project, which aims to ease reliance on the West Gate Bridge by adding tunnels with connections to CityLink, the Port of Melbourne, and the CBD. Widening the freeway from eight to twelve lanes will improve traffic flow for the 200,000+ vehicles that travel the route daily.
These latest lane and ramp closures will remain in place until late March, allowing crews to remove temporary asphalt, complete final surfacing, and install barriers and signage.
Drivers are advised to allow extra time, plan alternative routes, and stay updated on further changes.
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