Melbourne could be thrown into traffic chaos when the West Gate Bridge and CityLink tunnels close for several days during the Christmas and New Year holiday period.
Motorists have been warned to brace for delays and use alternative routes while the busy road corridors are resurfaced at the same time.
Roads Minister Terry Mulder, Transurban and VicRoads announced on Tuesday morning that vital roadworks would take place on West Gate Bridge and Domain and Burnley tunnels.
As part of the first stage of the roadworks, the Domain tunnel will close for three days from 10pm on December 27 until 5am on December 31 while inbound lanes of the West Gate Bridge close overnight on December 27 and 28.
The second stage will involve the Burnley tunnel closing for five days from 10pm on January 2 to 5am on January 7, with outbound lanes on the West Gate Bridge are closed overnight on January 2 and 3.
Mr Mulder said it was the first time the tunnels had been resurfaced since they opened in 2000.
He said the West Gate Bridge would only be closed at night to minimise disruption to motorists.
‘‘This is a short, sharp burst of activity which will also avoid the requirement to have lengthy delays in place for days at a time,’’ he said.
The minister said the work would be carried out at the quietest time of the year, when traffic volumes were down 25 per cent.
‘‘I’ve been assured by the road authorities that it’s a case of short term pain for long term gain,’’ Mr Mulder said.
He said he wanted to reassure drivers that Melbourne was still open for business, but closures would mean ‘‘your trips need to be carefully planned.”
VicRoads director road operations Dean Zabrieszach said the West Gate Bridge would not need to be resurfaced again next year, but warned there could be delays of up to an hour.
‘‘We are not hiding from the fact that there will be delays. At certain times there may be delays of up to an hour if everyone chooses to use the last exit at the same time.’’
When the Domain tunnel is closed motorists will be diverted to Punt Road, Batman Avenue, Alexandra Avenue and City Road.
During the West Gate Bridge closures, motorists will be advised to use Williamstown Road, Footscray Road and the Bolte Bridge.
Traffic will be diverted via Kings Way, or City Road, Alexandra Avenue or Batman Avenue during the Burnley tunnel closure in early January.
Mr Mulder said the closures highlighted the need for the east-west link.
‘‘There’s no doubt the tunnels will need work in into the future, the West Gate bridge will need work into the future, and with the east-west link operational it would just enable us to spread the traffic across the city and cause minimal disruption.’’
