A major upgrade of the Western Freeway between Melton and Caroline Springs will deliver more lanes and upgraded interchanges, improving safety and easing congestion for the tens of thousands of people who use the freeway each day.
The project will deliver approximately 30kms of new freeway lanes between Ferris Road and Ballarat Road, increasing capacity along one of Melbourne’s key western transport corridors.
The freeway will be widened to 3 lanes in each direction between Ferris Road and Hopkins Road, and 4 lanes in each direction between Hopkins Road and Ballarat Road.
Drivers will also benefit from a consistent 100km/h speed limit between Ferris Road and Ballarat Road, making journeys more consistent along the upgraded section.
The Ferris Road, Leakes Road and Hopkins Road interchanges will also be upgraded to improve traffic flow and local connections.
At Ferris Road, the new interchange will include a bridge over the freeway with capacity for 2 lanes in each direction, as well as new traffic lights at the northern intersection.
The Leakes Road interchange will feature a new bridge over the freeway, increasing capacity to 3 lanes in each direction, with traffic lights on the northern and southern sides of the interchange.
At Hopkins Road, an additional lane will be provided across the bridge to Neale Road, with improved citybound connections and new traffic lights on the northern side of the interchange.
A new half interchange at Mount Cottrell Road will provide a Ballarat-bound exit ramp and a citybound entry ramp, improving access to the freeway for nearby communities.
Temporary lights coming to Leakes Road
Ahead of the broader upgrade, temporary traffic lights will be installed at the Leakes Road interchange.
The lights are expected to be operational by early 2027, providing an interim improvement for people travelling through the interchange.
Getting ready for construction
Pre-construction activities are now underway, with the project moving through design and planning ahead of major construction. Work includes refining the project design and construction approach, site investigations, detailed flood modelling and environmental investigations.
A Cultural Heritage Management Plan is also being prepared, while planning and environmental approvals continue.
Once pre-construction activities have progressed, the project will move into procurement to appoint a construction partner to deliver the upgrade.
The Western Freeway Upgrade will improve safety, increase capacity and provide better connections for communities across Melbourne’s growing west.
Find out more about the Western Freeway Upgrade - Melton to Caroline Springs.