Victoria has committed another $550 million to the Western Freeway between Melton and Caroline Springs, and the number that matters if you drive it is roughly 30 kilometres of new lanes.
That state money builds on the Albanese Government's existing $1 billion investment in the corridor. Pre-construction works have already started.
Dylan Anderson
How many lanes you actually get
Between Ferris Road and Hopkins Road, the freeway widens to three lanes in each direction. Between Hopkins Road and Ballarat Road, it widens to four lanes in each direction.
Key interchanges at Ferris Road, Leakes Road and Hopkins Road are being upgraded as well, which the government says is about boosting both traffic flow and safety.
What changes at Hopkins Road
At Hopkins Road you get additional lanes across the bridge to Neale Road, improved citybound connections from Neale Road, and new traffic lights to give local communities better access to the freeway.
A new half interchange at Mount Cottrell Road
Mount Cottrell Road gets a new half interchange, providing a Ballarat-bound exit ramp and a citybound freeway entry ramp, which the government says will give local communities better access to the freeway.
One speed limit from Ferris Road to Ballarat Road
The upgrade also delivers a consistent 100 km/h speed limit between Ferris Road and Ballarat Road. The full scope is set out in the Victorian Government's announcement.
Temporary lights at Leakes Road by early 2027
Ahead of the major build, temporary traffic lights are going in at the Leakes Road interchange. The government says that came directly out of community feedback, and expects the lights to be operating by early 2027.
More lanes, better interchanges and safer connections will make a real difference for the people who use this road every day.
That is Victorian Minister for Roads and Road Safety Paul Hamer.
Why this stretch of freeway
The Western Freeway runs through Melbourne's growing west, and the government describes it as carrying tens of thousands of people every day. The upgrade is aimed at two problems at once — safety and congestion — rather than either on its own.
Premier Ben Carroll said the government has “listened to the community” and that “better local roads in growing areas are my priority”. Federal Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government Catherine King welcomed the additional investment in Melbourne's west.
When major construction starts
For now the work is design development, site investigations and planning approvals ahead of major construction. The 6 September announcement does not name a start date for major construction, and does not give a completion date either. The only firm timing in it is early 2027 for the Leakes Road temporary lights.
Dylan Anderson
Source: Premier of Victoria media release, “Labor Is Upgrading The Western Freeway”, 6 September 2026.
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