The Cherry Street level crossing in Werribee is gone months ahead of schedule and an upgrade of eight major roads is complete as part of the Andrews Labor Government’s huge investment in better transport in Melbourne’s west.

Cherry Street is the third of four level crossings to go in the Werribee area, replaced by a road bridge to mark the Labor Government’s 46th level crossing removal across Melbourne since 2015.

At the same time, the biggest investment in Melbourne’s roads ever, the Western Roads Upgrade, is also complete.

The $1.8 billion road project is reducing congestion and slashing travel times for locals on Leakes Road in Truganina, Dunnings Road and Palmers Roads in Point Cook, Dohertys Road East in Laverton North, Dohertys Road West in Truganina, and the Duncans Road and the Forsyth Road Interchanges.

The project has cut time spent on the road by an average of 20 per cent and supported more than 1,000 local jobs. The upgrade has also delivered benefits to tourists heading to Werribee Open Range Zoo, with new lanes saving up to 15 minutes between Werribee and Geelong, when previously journeys could take over an hour.

With Cherry Street now closed to traffic at the level crossing, drivers are now being redirected east to a new road bridge which connects Tarneit Road and the Princes Highway. Vehicles can turn directly onto the road bridge from Princes Highway or Railway Avenue, improving the traffic flow around busy central Werribee.

Boom gates previously held up traffic at the Cherry Street crossing for one third of the morning peak, causing local bank ups and unpredictable travel times through to key arterial roads. With the level crossing gone, crews are now building a new underpass that will provide a quick and safe connection for pedestrians and cyclists.

The underpass is on top of upgrades already delivered, including three new walking and cycling bridges over Leakes Road, Doherty’s Road and Palmers/Sayers Roads – which are already being used more by commuters and locals.

The Government’s Big Build include more than $20 billion of major projects in the west – with 11 level crossings to go and a 20-year maintenance contract guaranteeing the care of 260 kilometres of road from Footscray to Werribee.

The key transport hubs of Footscray and Sunshine stations will get more trains and travel choices from projects like the Metro Tunnel, Sunbury Line Upgrade and Melbourne Airport Rail. For more information about the Labor Government’s massive transport infrastructure agenda, visit bigbuild.vic.gov.au.

Quote attributable to Acting Premier James Merlino

“With 46 level crossings gone for good and many more to celebrate this year, we’re not slowing down when it comes to removing these suburban death traps – supporting thousands of local jobs when Victorians need them most.”

Quote attributable to Minister for Transport Infrastructure Jacinta Allan

“We’re delivering the huge transport projects Melbourne’s growing west needs – delivering better connections for the community and driving the state’s economic recovery.”

Quote attributable to Member for Werribee Tim Pallas

“With level crossings now gone at both Cherry and Werribee street, and the biggest single investment ever made in our suburban arterial road network now complete, we’re easing congestion and making our area safer than ever.”