Work to expand the EJ Whitten Bridge into a 10-lane roadway has begun.
Two “notorious” bottlenecks will also be addressed as part of upgrades to the M80 Ring Road between Sunshine Avenue and the Calder Freeway, which will take more than two years to complete.
The works will widen the M80 from two lanes to four lanes in each direction from Sunshine Avenue to the EJ Whitten Bridge, and from three lanes to five in each direction across the bridge through to the Calder Freeway.
Star Weekly revealed in August a new structure will add two lanes in each direction in the centre of the current EJ Whitten bridge – resulting in five lanes in both directions. The speed limit will drop to 80km/h along the bridge during works and possibly in other parts of the upgrade.
“As construction progresses, speeds may be reduced to 80km/h in active work zones to ensure the safety of both motorists and workers,” a state government spokeswoman said.
“VicRoads will provide drivers with advance warning and clear on-road signage if/when speed limits change.”
Temporary public safety barriers will be installed on the bridge in coming weeks, with permanent barriers to be put in place by the end of the project. The works are expected to be completed by late 2018.
