West Gate changes

Montague exit returns to pre-works method

TRAFFIC chaos and confusion is expected to hit thousands of motorists today as lane changes and reduced speed limits are made to the West Gate Freeway.

More than 200,000 drivers using the freeway will notice a new road layout as they enter the city from the west.

Drivers who want to exit at Montague St should use the Kings Way exit and stay in the right-hand lane.

The changes effectively restore the Montague St exit to how it was before the CityLink Tulla widening works started 15 months ago.

A reduced 60km/h limit will be in force as motorists adjust to the new design.

It will return to 80km/h next week once drivers have adjusted to the changes.

VicRoads says there will be plenty of on-road signage to help motorists choose the correct lane, with the changes only expected to add a few extra minutes to travel times.

Michael McCarthy, project director CityLink Tulla widening, said this change was the final step before the West Gate Freeway complete.

“Experience tells us that it can take a number of days for drivers to adapt to new conditions,” Mr McCarthy said.

“We’re reducing the speed limit temporarily to 60km/h into next week, giving drivers more time to make their lane choice.”

A barrier will divide the two Kings Way lanes on the left from the two Burnley Tunnel lanes on the right, meaning upgrade was anyone missing the Montague St exit will need to exit at Power St.

Motorists looking to access Lorimer St will need to take the new Montague St exit.

The changes will not affect drivers heading to the city from the Bolte Bridge who will use a dedicated Lorimer St/ Montague St/Kings Way exit.

Acting Public Transport Minister John Eren urged motorists to plan their journeys to keep delays to a minimum.

“Know where these roadworks are happening so you get to work or your destination on time,” Mr Eren said.

“If we don’t do this now, we will be gridlocked within the next three to four years.”

Victorian Transport Associ- ation chief executive Peter Anderson welcomed the work.

“We look forward to works being completed as soon as possible so that freight operators can reap the productivity benefits the improvements and additional lane will bring,” Mr Anderson said.

RACV manager roads and traffic Dave Jones encouraged motorists to plan their trip in advance, and to follow advisory signs to ensure they got to their destination safely.

When complete next year, the CityLink Tulla widening project will slash 30 minutes off a round trip from the city to the airport.

Crews have worked almost 2.5 million hours to date to complete this road project.

“We’re reducing the speed limit temporarily to 60km/h into next week, giving drivers more time to make their lane choice.” PROJECT DIRECTOR MICHAEL McCARTHY