Melbourne’s first CBD bypass in 25 years will open next month, with the new Wurundjeri Way extension set to carry more than 10,000 vehicles daily from 27 October.
The extension forms part of the $10 billion West Gate Tunnel Project, creating a new link between Dynon Road in West Melbourne and Wurundjeri Way at Docklands.
The road is designed to relieve pressure on King and Spencer streets while improving connectivity across the CBD, Docklands, South Melbourne and the inner west.
Construction works have delivered a 1.5-kilometre, four-lane road and a new bridge over Dudley Street. Wurundjeri Way has also been widened to six lanes between Dudley Street and Flinders Street to increase capacity. Once the West Gate Tunnel and elevated Footscray Road connection open later this year, traffic volumes on the bypass are expected to rise to about 15,000 vehicles a day.
The government said the bypass will also streamline access to Docklands, home to more than 73,000 workers and 17,500 residents, as well as major destinations such as Marvel Stadium.
It is also designed to integrate with the West Gate Tunnel when completed, offering direct connections for drivers heading towards Werribee, Geelong and the Surf Coast.
“The Wurundjeri Way extension is Melbourne’s first new city bypass in 25 years – and it’s set to give drivers more choice, better connect the west, and take pressure off some of the CBD’s busiest streets,” said Minister for Transport Infrastructure Gabrielle Williams/
“Next month we’ll see the Wurundjeri Way extension give more options to motorists travelling across Melbourne’s west and the city,” said Minister for Roads and Road Safety Melissa Horne.
