The new bridge across the Maribyrnong River will create a vital alternative to the West Gate Bridge, which is currently at capacity.
Heading to and from the city
The bridge will link the twin tunnels, which are located on the western side of the river, with the new elevated road above Footscray Road allowing drivers to enjoy an uninterrupted and faster commute between the west and the city.
The bridge will link the twin tunnels, which are located on the western side of the river, with the new elevated road above Footscray Road allowing drivers to enjoy an uninterrupted and faster commute between the west and the city.
Accessing the city and Melbourne’s north
Drivers coming from Geelong, Ballarat and Melbourne’s west can get onto the West Gate Freeway from either the Princes Freeway, M80 Ring Road or Millers Road, through the tunnel entrance near Williamstown Rd and over the Maribyrnong River via the bridges.
They will then continue their journey via the elevated road above Footscray Road and onto the new city connections that will give them direct travel options to get to the city, the airport, and the northern suburbs.
Better access to the ports for trucks
The freight industry will also benefit from direct access from the West Gate Freeway to the Port of Melbourne’s West Swanston Dock via the new on and off MacKenzie ramps.
Innovative bridge construction methods are being used to build the Maribyrnong River bridges to ensure that we:
- keep the river open to boats wherever possible
- keep MacKenzie Road open for truck access to the port
- meet all environmental requirements to protect the health of the river.
The bridges will continue to showcase Melbourne’s maritime history and rich Aboriginal heritage with net cladding reflecting the scales of eels and fish and a curved shape echoing that of an anchor rope.