22 October 2009
Major disruptions for motorists this weekend on the Monash, CityLink and
West Gate (M1) Freeway
As another busy weekend for events in Melbourne approaches, drivers are asked to
take extra care and plan ahead as major works continue on the M1.
M1 Project Director, John Cunningham said the on-going activity on the M1 corridor
is necessary to deliver the upgrade benefits on schedule.
“I’d like to thank drivers for their patience and appreciate that the works and
changes will take a bit of getting used to,” Mr Cunningham said.
“Delivering this huge project on an existing freeway over the last 24-months has
been challenging both for the workers and drivers. When complete this massive
upgrade will significantly improve traffic flow
and safety along Melbourne’s most
critical road link
“Even though new ramps and some sections have been opened already, the
freeway upgrade is still not complete and works are expected to continue every
weekend until December this year.
This weekend’s works on the West Gate Freeway section include reducing traffic to
three
lanes in the eastbound direction between Bolte Bridge and the CityLink
tunnels from 8pm Friday until 5am Monday.
“This reduction in lanes is required to continue ongoing resurfacing
and joint
replacement works on the freeway,” Mr Cunningham added.
During the weekend,
the recently-opened Montague Street eastbound entry-ramp
will be closed.
Drivers heading to weekend events in and around the city including: the Cox Plate
race meeting at Moonee Valley, the Melbourne Victory match at Etihad Stadium and
the International Arts Festival are asked to plan ahead and consider alternate routes
to avoid delays.
“We have been working with event organisers and MetLink to help communicate the
best travel options for those attending these events,” he said.
-mtc-
Transurban M1 Project Director, Tony Murphy said that in addition to works on the
Monash Freeway and CityLink (Southern Link)
sections, the CityLink tunnels will
also be closed for an incident response exercise this weekend.
“The team will use a full freeway closure on the Monash this Saturday night to run
extensive testing of the new leading-edge technology in a series of real-time
simulated incidents on CityLink..
“Some of this technology includes the Lane Use Management System, or the
electronic signs you see above the roadway,” Mr Murphy said.
The actual roadworks require a
full freeway closure in both directions between
Kings Way and Warrigal Road (including the Domain and Burnley tunnels) which
will be in place from 9pm Saturday (24 October) to 9am Sunday (25 October).
“A fully signed detour route will direct traffic via Kings Way, Queens Road, Princes
Highway and Warrigal Road
and a daytime lane closures on the Monash Freeway
from Toorak Road to High Street will cause delays in both directions on Saturday
and Sunday,” he said.
In addition, the Toorak Road inbound exit ramp will be closed from 9pm Saturday
(24 October) to 4am Monday (26 October). Traffic will be detoured via Burke Road
and the Burke Road inbound and outbound entry ramps and High Street exit ramp
will also be closed during the weekend.
Mr Cunningham added that significant delays were expected and strongly
encouraged drivers to avoid the area if possible.
“We acknowledge that upgrading the M1 has been extensive and appreciate driver’s
patience while we continue the works on one of the State’s busiest roads,” he said.
Further information on the works, a map of the changed conditions or to subscribe
information line 1300 881 137.
-ends-
For further information contact
Mario Urban 0411 790 080
NEWS 
