The Western Highway realignment project involves constructing a new 5km freeway connection south of the existing route, from Melton West to east of Bacchus Marsh. The highway forms part of the Route 8 between Melbourne and Adelaide and is a vital interstate freight route linking Melbourne, Ballarat and western Victoria.
The new freeway alignment will avoid the steep hills and tight curves through Anthony’s Cutting, improving safety and reducing travel times and transport costs, with drivers able to travel this new section at 110 km/h.
The project is estimated to cost $200 million. Joint funding is provided by the Australian and Victorian Governments as part of the Nation Building Economic Stimulus Plan and the Victorian Transport Plan.
VicRoads, John Holland and AECOM have formed the Western Highway Realignment Project Alliance in a partnership to plan, design and manage the freeway construction.
Major works are scheduled to commence in early 2010 with project completion in early 2012.
News Release - Alliance To Deliver New Anthonys Cutting Freeway Route - 9 September 2009
News Release - Final Plans Announced For Anthonys Cutting Upgrade - 15 October 2009
Western Highway Realignment - Concept map [PDF 96KB]
The current project scope includes:
- full freeway conditions with two lanes each way from Melton West near Harkness Road, to east of Bacchus Marsh
- extension of Woolpack Road north from Bacchus Marsh Road with a bridge over the Lederderg River and a new interchange connecting to the Western Freeway in all directions
- a local road overpass of the existing Western Freeway through Melton linking Bulmans Road with Clarkes Road
- a local road overpass taking Hopetoun Park Road across the new freeway with Melbourne-bound on and off ramps
- freeway bridges spanning Djerriwarrh Creek, Cowans Road and Pyrites Creek
When completed the new freeway alignment will provide:
- safer driving conditions for freeway users avoiding the steep grades, tight curves and local road intersections on the old highway
- travel times savings with the freeway speed limit raised to 110 km/h compared with 80 km/h limit now operating on sections of the highway
- reduced costs for the road freight industry and its customers for goods transported between Melbourne, Ballarat, western Victoria and South Australia
- better connections for communities with new road links for local travel in and around Melton and Bacchus Marsh
- support for jobs and growth during construction and for the future with easier travel for commuters, tourists, and regional businesses
Planning and road design is now underway together with ground condition investigations, environmental studies and field surveys. Major construction will commence in early 2010.
The WHRP Alliance is working with the local community, councils and stakeholders to keep them informed and involved. Consultation will continue on issues and activities that may impact on the community during planning and construction.
Community information sessions in August 2009 at Melton and Bacchus Marsh were attended by almost one thousand people. In response to community feedback, options were investigated for Melbourne-bound freeway ramps at Hopetoun Park Road which are now included in the final project scope.
A quarterly email newsletter, is available providing project updates and news. Subscribe to mailing list
For more information:
- Call the Western Highway Realignment Project Alliance 1800 212 602
- Write to the WHRP Alliance, Level 2 South, 485 La Trobe Street Melbourne 3000
- Visit VicRoads Western Projects Office - Level 1, 2-8 Lake Street, Caroline Springs (Office hours 8.30am to 5pm or by appointment).
- Email contactwhrp@whrp.com.au
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