Victoria
Completion of roads upgrade project will reduce traffic congestion. Credit: S. Hermann & F. Richter / Pixabay.

The government of Victoria, Australia, has announced that its Western Roads Upgrade project is complete.

The A$1.8bn ($1.3bn) project, claimed to be the biggest investment ever made in Melbourne’s roads, will reduce traffic congestion and travel time for people in Truganina, Point Cook and Laverton North as well as the Duncans Road and Forsyth Road Interchanges.

The addition of lanes between Werribee and Geelong will cut travel times for tourists visiting Werribee Open Range Zoo by up to 15 minutes.

As well as providing a better transport infrastructure, the upgrade project is said to have supported more than 1,000 jobs in the region.

Minister for Transport Infrastructure Jacinta Allan said: “We’re delivering the huge transport projects Melbourne’s growing west needs – delivering better connections for the community and driving the state’s economic recovery.”

The government has also announced the removal of the level crossing at Cherry Street in Werribee, as well as the upgrade of eight major roads to allow better movement of vehicles in Melbourne’s west region.

The level crossing, which has been replaced by a road bridge, is the 46th level crossing to be removed in Melbourne since 2015.

Construction teams are now building an underpass to provide a quick and safe connection for pedestrians and cyclists.

Acting premier James Merlino said: “With 46 level crossings gone for good and many more to celebrate this year, we’re not slowing down when it comes to removing these suburban death traps – supporting thousands of local jobs when Victorians need them most.”