Drivers have been warned to expect delays as two years’ worth of works begin to upgrade the EJ Whitten Bridge to five lanes in each direction.
The state government announced last Wednesday that works would begin on the 3.2-kilometre stretch between Sunshine Avenue and the Calder Freeway within weeks.
Star Weekly understands the road from Sunshine Avenue to the bridge will be upgraded to four lanes.
The new bridge structure will add two lanes in each direction in the centre of the current EJ Whitten Bridge, resulting in five lanes in both directions.
Fulton Hogan was announced as the successful bidder to complete the $300 million works to address a “bottleneck” at Sunshine Avenue.
Roads Minister Luke Donnellan said “most” of the work would be carried out at night to correct a “significant choke point” on the road.
“While there will be no lane closures on the bridge during construction we will be advising motorists using the M80 Ring Road between Sunshine Avenue and the Calder Freeway to allow for extra time while travelling,” he said.
“Where possible, most work on the project will be undertaken at night.”
Urban Infrastructure Minister Paul Fletcher said additional lanes on the ring road would enable safer journeys for the estimated 160,000 drivers who use the freeway every day.
Works will also include a revamped path for cyclists and pedestrians and safety improvements to EJ Whitten Bridge.
“Ramp signalling and an overhead lane use management system will also help to ensure a smoother and more efficient journey,” Mr Donnellan said.
“The M80 Ring Road upgrade will slash travel time by saving Greensborough-bound motorists up to 15 minutes and Altona-bound motorists up to 10 minutes.
“The upgrade will see a boost to the Victorian economy with the creation of 1350 direct and in-direct jobs.”
Works are expected to be completed by late 2018.
