The CityLink Tulla Widening Project in Melbourne will progressively start from early 2015
The Victorian Government had signed an agreement with Transurban to deliver the CityLink Tulla Widening Project which will mean faster travel to Melbourne Airport.
The $850 million project will significantly improve traffic conditions on the CityLink Tullamarine corridor which is one of the busiest roads in Melbourne, carrying 210,000 vehicles every day.
Premier Denis Napthine says the project will boost capacity on the primary road route to the airport by 30 per cent and deliver travel time savings of up to 16 minutes on trips between Melbourne Airport and the West Gate Freeway during peak periods.
“The CityLink Tulla Widening project will work hand-in-hand with the East West Link and the Melbourne/Airport Rail Link to provide better, more efficient connections for motorists and business,” he says.
This project will help cater for Melbourne’s booming north and the increased patronage at Melbourne Airport which is predicted to double by the 2030s.
“The Melbourne Airport precinct is one of Victoria’s most visited destinations. It is the main gateway to Victoria and a major destination for employment and freight,” he says.
“We know how vital the airport is to Victoria, which is why we are investing in transport initiatives to support its growth well into the future.”
The project is being delivered by Transurban who will finance the delivery of this project and coordinate construction with the delivery of the East West Link.
The project will create 700 jobs during construction with major works scheduled to commence in October 2015 aligning with the East West Link project.
Minister for Roads and Public Transport Terry Mulder says this important infrastructure project which will boost the capacity of the Tullamarine Freeway, easing congestion on one of Melbourne’s busiest roads.
“The CityLink Tulla Widening project involves adding lanes and other measures to improve the flow of traffic across the 19 kilometre section of freeway from the CityLink tunnels to Melrose Drive in Tullamarine,” Mr Mulder said.
To fund the project, the CityLink Concession will be extended by one year, toll price increases will remain at a minimum of 4.5 per cent (annually) for an additional year and truck tolls will increase to become consistent with national pricing for trucks on other motorway networks.
This is in addition to expected increases in traffic volume and toll revenue from the widening of CityLink and Tullamarine Freeway.
Works will progressively start from early 2015 with major construction works on the freeway commencing in October 2015.