$1.1bn investment to get more Western Freeway upgrades underway

The Australian Government is investing $1.1 billion to upgrade the Western Freeway in Victoria as part of its commitment to building Australia’s future. 

This new funding brings the total Federal Government investment in the Western Freeway corridor to $2.1 billion. 

The investment will go towards works that will improve capacity and safety along the Western Freeway between Melton and Caroline Springs. About 86,000 vehicles travel through this section of the freeway daily and this figure is expected to increase to approximately 113,000 by 2031. 

“We’re investing in the transport projects that matter most to Victorians, delivering a rail link to Melbourne Airport, fixing our regional and suburban roads, and strengthening our busiest freeways. 

“We’re investing $2.1 billion in the Western Freeway corridor, $7 billion in the Melbourne Airport rail link, and $1 billion in a suburban road blitz because we care about our cities, our suburbs and our regions,” Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government Catherine King said. 

This corridor is a critical transport route for passengers and freight, connecting with major freight routes throughout Victoria including Midland, Sunraysia, Pyrenees, Henty and Wimmera highways. 

Upgrades on the freeway between Melton and Caroline Springs will be identified and prioritised by the Australian and Victorian Governments from the jointly funded business case being finalised by the State Government. 

Proposed section for upgrade (source: Victoria's Big Build)

In addition, $100 million will be allocated towards planning as well as early works to upgrade the intersection of the freeway with Brewery Tap Road in Warrenheip. 

$6.1 million is also being provided towards two bridge strengthening upgrades between Stawell and the South Australian border. 

The bridge strengthening works will be carried out at the Dimboola Bridge over the Melbourne-Adelaide Railway Line and Dadswells Bridge over the Mt William Creek Floodplain to help reduce transit times and provide better efficiency of freight movements between rural industries and manufacturers while enabling industry growth and regional development. 

Construction on these bridges will commence this year and be completed by 2026. 

The Albanese Government is dedicated to working for all Australians by delivering nationally significant infrastructure projects that enhances productivity and resilience while also improving liveability, and promote sustainability. 

“Those who regularly travel on this stretch of the Western Freeway know fully well how much this $1 billion investment is needed. 

“Only Labor Governments invest in the west,” Federal Member for Gorton Brendan O’Connor said. 

Source: Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government; Victoria’s Big Build – Big Build Roads; ABC News; Roads & Infrastructure Australia; Infrastructure Magazine