Congestion will be slashed for 30,000 motorists on the Swan Street Bridge every day, with works to start within weeks.

From Wednesday 29 March, motorists can expect significant delays on and around Swan Street Bridge due to the construction of an extra lane.

The work to provide an additional traffic lane will see one city-bound lane on Swan Street Bridge closed until July 2017.

Major delays are expected and city bound drivers who usually turn into Olympic Boulevard from Hoddle Street will be advised to take alternative routes to the CBD. These include Alexandra Parade, Victoria Parade, Albert Street, Wellington Parade and Commercial Road.

Delays are expected to be 20 minutes during the morning peak, 15 minutes during the afternoon peak and 10 minutes for those travelling outside of peak periods.

Drivers will be able to manage their journeys in real time through smart technology designed to minimise the impact of these critical works.

VicRoads are also working closely with Melbourne & Olympic Parks Trust and the MCC to ensure event-goers will still have access to major stadiums during construction, including the MCG, Rod Laver Arena and AAMI Park.

The upgrade includes building an additional lane for motorists heading east, wider cycling and pedestrian paths on both sides of the bridge and a safer pedestrian crossing at Alexandra Avenue.

The last three months of construction will include installing improved cycling and pedestrian paths, and new architectural lighting that will light up Swan Street Bridge at night.

Construction will be completed by December 2017.

For real-time travel information visit vicroads.vic.gov.au

Quotes attributable to Acting Minister for Roads Jacinta Allan

“We know there will be some delays but these are delays for a purpose while we work to remove this significant bottleneck on Melbourne’s road network.”

“Swan Street Bridge has been a nightmare for years and while we’re working to remove it motorists should plan their journey, allow extra travel time and, if they’re able to, consider alternative routes or public transport.”