$1.1bn investment to upgrade Western Freeway

The federal government has committed to investing $1.1 billion to upgrade Western Freeway in Victoria to boost productivity and connectivity in the region’s communities.

The total investment in the Western Freeway corridor comes up to $2.1bn.

The Western Freeway is a critical transport route for both passengers and freight which links major freight routes throughout the state including Midland, Sunraysia, Pyrenees, Henty and Wimmera Highways.

With approximately 86,000 vehicles travelling between Melton and Caroline Springs each day, the investment will go towards improving capacity and safety along the freeway.

Upgrades will be identified and prioritised between the Australian and Victorian governments from the jointly funded business case that is being finalised by the Victorian Government.

“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,” says Catherine King, Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government.

“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.”

$100 million will be allocated towards planning and early works to upgrade the intersection of the freeway between Brewery Tap Road in Warrenheip.

$6.1m will also be provided towards two bridges, Dimboola Bridge and Dadswells Bridge, strengthening upgrades between Stawell and the South Australian border.

Construction of these bridges is expected to commence in 2025 and end by 2026.

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