The Federal Government is investing $1.1 billion to upgrade the Western Freeway in Victoria, bringing the Government’s total investment into the connection to $2.1 billion.
The investment will go towards improving capacity and safety along the freeway between Melton and Caroline Springs, where 86,000 motorists travel daily. This number is expected to rise to around 113,000 by 2031.
The Western Freeway is a major highway connection that connects Melbourne and Adelaide. It’s also a critical transport and freight route which links with other highways such as the Midland, Sunraysia, Pyrenees, Henty and Wimmera highways.
$100 million will be allocated towards planning and early works to upgrade the intersection of the freeway with Brewery Tap Road in Warrenheip. In addition, the Federal Government is providing $6.1 million towards two bridge strengthening upgrades between Stawell and the South Australian border. Construction of these bridge upgrades is expected to commence in 2025 and end by 2026.
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These upgrades will be identified and prioritised between the Federal and Victorian governments from the jointly funded business case being finalised by the Victorian Government.
Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government Catherine King said the Government was investing to future-proof and improve transport infrastructure across Victoria.
“We’re investing in the transport projects that matter most to Victorians, delivering a rail link to Melbourne Airport, fixing our regional and suburban roads, and strengthening our busiest freeways,” King said.
“We’re investing $2.1 billion in the Western Freeway corridor, $7 billion in the Melbourne Airport rail link, and $1 billion in a suburban road blitz because we care about our cities, our suburbs and our regions.”
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