Westgate tunnel mitigation works to begin this year

A raft of traffic mitigation projects will commence construction later this year as a part of the jointly funded $100 million Transport Amenity Program (TAP) between the Victorian Government and the City of Melbourne.

The TAP program is one of the largest streetscape upgrades in Melbourne’s history that has set out to improve traffic flow and public spaces, while managing the anticipated changes to traffic when the West Gate Tunnel Project opens.

Works will begin in September at intersections around Spencer, Dryburgh, Abbotsford, Victoria, Curzon, Rosslyn, Adderley, Lothian and Ireland streets in North and West Melbourne to improve traffic flow and discourage drivers from using local streets as shortcuts.

These works will include new line markings, adjusted traffic signals, restricted turns, road closures and safety bollards.

The new Wurundjeri Way extension being built as part of the West Gate Tunnel Project will also give people from the west a new way to get into and around the CBD, bypassing Spencer and King streets.

The Minister for Roads and Road Safety Melissa Horne said, “As we prepare to open the West Gate Tunnel later this year, we are investing across North and West Melbourne to improve traffic flow and keep people moving.”

The Victorian Government and the City of Melbourne have agreed that traffic movements will be monitored for six months after the tunnel opens.

Community feedback on the interim measures will also be sought to determine what long-term arrangements are required and what adjustments can be made to help manage traffic.

Lord Mayor Nicholas Reece said, “The West Gate Tunnel Project will change how people move around Melbourne – and we’re working to secure the best outcomes for our local community.”

“We’re working closely with the Victorian Government to deliver on what was promised – reducing through-traffic in North and West Melbourne, improving open spaces and creating more welcoming local streetscapes.”

Longer-term projects, such as progressing the Hawke Street Linear Park and enhancing pedestrian and cycling connectivity, will begin next year once people adjust to the new conditions and travel patterns settle.

To date, more than $46 million of joint TAP funding has been allocated to projects including tram improvement works on William St and pop-up cycle lanes in La Trobe, Little Collins, Abbotsford and Peel streets.

This also includes a $16 million investment to deliver shared user paths and major streetscape upgrades on Dynon Rd and Franklin St.