Full funding has been announced for the Werribee Main Road and Princes Freeway Interchange Upgrade in a huge boost for travel through Melbourne’s booming west.
Victorian Premier Jacinta Allan and federal Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government Minister Catherine King visited Werribee on Thursday 23 January to announce a joint funding arrangement.
The governments will invest up to $333.5 million to deliver the interchange project and the nearby Ballan Road Intersection Upgrade.
The 2 projects will create 1624 jobs, with Major Road Projects Victoria to deliver both.
The Werribee Main Road – Princes Freeway Interchange Upgrade will add traffic lights at key intersections, a new roundabout at the Princes Freeway exit ramp to Wests Road , a new lane to the Werribee Main Road bridge, and build an improved city-bound entry ramp.
The improvements at the interchange are expected to cut peak travel times by over 10 minutes every day.
These improvements will increase capacity while reducing bottlenecks and dangerous queuing in peak periods, making it safer and easier for the 10,000 motorists who use the interchange daily.
The project will build on the benefits of the Ison Road Overpass and Extension, expected to be completed next year. Together, the 3 projects will make travel in and around Werribee’s town centre easier and safer.
Planning work is continuing as the interchange upgrade moves toward construction. Key activities include refining the upgrade’s design, site investigations to identify underground utilities, testing ground conditions, drainage and flood modelling, and appointing a construction partner.
Construction timelines will be known once planning has progressed further.