$550 Million Boost Brings Total Western Freeway Funding to $1.55 Billion

Good news for operators running routes through Melbourne’s outer west: the Victorian Government has committed an additional $550 million to the Western Freeway upgrade between Melton and Caroline Springs, on top of the Federal Government’s existing $1 billion pledge. That brings total funding for the project to $1.55 billion.

What’s Changing on the Freeway

The upgrade will deliver around 30 kilometres of new lanes along one of the busiest freight corridors in Melbourne’s west. Key changes include:

• Widening to three lanes each way between Ferris Road and Hopkins Road
• Widening to four lanes each way between Hopkins Road and Ballarat Road
• Interchange upgrades at Ferris Road, Leakes Road and Hopkins Road to improve traffic flow and safety
• Additional lanes across the Hopkins Road bridge to Neale Road, plus improved citybound connections and new traffic lights
• A new half interchange at Mount Cottrell Road, adding a Ballarat-bound exit and a citybound entry ramp
• A consistent 100 km/h speed limit from Ferris Road to Ballarat Road

Temporary traffic lights are also going in at the Leakes Road Interchange, expected to be operating by early 2027, while pre-construction work – design, site investigations and planning approvals – is already underway ahead of major construction.

Why It Matters for Fleet Operators

For transport businesses running this stretch daily, the upgrade should mean fewer bottlenecks around Melton and Caroline Springs, more predictable travel times, and safer merging at some of the corridor’s most congested pinch points. It’s also a reminder that this is a live construction zone for the next few years – expect temporary signals, shifting lane configurations and reduced speeds around work areas in the meantime.

As with any major roadworks, it’s worth building extra time into scheduling near Leakes Road once the temporary lights go in, and keeping drivers briefed on changing conditions as construction ramps up.

We’ll keep tracking progress on this upgrade as it moves from planning into construction.

You May Also Be Interested In

Trucking Industry Calls for 30-Day Payment Terms

How Tegral Helps Transport Managers Hit Their Sustainability Goals

Why Do Ratchet Straps Loosen During a Journey?

Single-Use vs Reusable Lifting Slings: Which One Does Your Job Need?

Check Out Our YouTube Channel