Transurban has signed a variation to the 6 October 2014 agreement with the Victorian Government to deliver the CityLink Tulla Widening project, in Melbourne, Australia.

This announcement cames after the new Victorian Government's commitment to no longer proceed with the East West Link project.

The key variation to the previously announced arrangements is the inclusion of the widening works between Dynon Road and Moreland Road (previously delivered by East West Link) with the original overall scope of the CityLink Tulla Widening remaining effectively the same.

The project will add extra lanes in each direction between the Bolte Bridge and Melbourne Airport, as well as extra lanes on the Bolte Bridge and a section of the West Gate Freeway (eastbound) between Bolte Bridge and Power Street.

A Freeway Management System will be introduced, which will include: lane use management, with speed signs above all lanes; stop and go signals to improve traffic flow and reduce congestion as traffic enters the freeway from on-ramps; CCTV cameras to monitor incidents, improve response times and minimise disruptions and variable message signs to notify road users of planned changes or disruptions.

The project has been divided into two packages of work:

• Section 1: Tullamarine Freeway between Melbourne Airport and Bulla Road to be funded by the Commonwealth and the State, with a Transurban contribution and delivered by VicRoads
• Section 2: CityLink Western Link from Bulla Road to the Power Street, funded and delivered by Transurban

The total project investment is estimated at A$1.28 billion (US$1 billion).

The project's modifications expects to incrase a 30 per cent the road's capacity. Travel time per trip between Melbourne Airport and the West Gate Freeway is expected to be reduced 16 minutes in the morning peak and 17 minutes in the afternoon peak.

Works are expected to commence in late 2015 and be complete by early 2018. Sections of the project will be opened progressively.