Western Distributor: Melbourne to get new $5.5 billion western suburbs toll road

Transurban has been given the go ahead by the Victorian Government to begin its $5.5 billion Western Distributor roads project.

It will be funded through a combination of state and federal funding, tolling on the Western Distributor and an extension of the toll on City Link.

Plans for the project were revealed this afternoon by Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews and Treasurer Tim Pallas, who said the proposed road would provide an alternative Yarra crossing and ease congestion on the busy West Gate Bridge.

The first stage of the project will begin in December with the construction of the Webb Dock, and is estimated to conclude in 2022.

The proposal was initially floated in April, and is expected to include a tunnel for trucks carrying dangerous goods.