Melbourne is about to gain its first new CBD bypass in a quarter of a century, with the Wurundjeri Way extension opening to traffic on Monday, 27 October. The major milestone in the West Gate Tunnel Project is expected to ease congestion across the city and improve connections between the inner west, Docklands and the CBD.
The new four-lane link will connect Dynon Road at West Melbourne with Wurundjeri Way at Docklands, offering a direct alternative to Spencer and King streets. It is forecast to carry more than 10,000 vehicles a day from opening, increasing to 15,000 once the twin tunnels and elevated Footscray Road are complete later this year.
The $10 billion West Gate Tunnel Project has already delivered major infrastructure works, including a new bridge over Dudley Street and the widening of Wurundjeri Way to six lanes between Dudley and Flinders streets. These upgrades aim to keep traffic flowing more smoothly through one of the city’s busiest precincts.
The extension will also provide a streamlined route for those heading to Marvel Stadium and the Docklands, home to more than 73,000 workers and 17,500 residents. Once the West Gate Tunnel opens, motorists from Werribee, Geelong and the Surf Coast will have faster and more reliable journeys directly into the city.
Drivers can preview the new route through the West Gate Tunnel Project’s online ‘Explore your Journey’ tool at westgatetunnelproject.vic.gov.au/drive.
