Transport Amenity Program
Up to $100 million has been allocated to fund upgrades to manage traffic changes and maximise the benefits of the West Gate Tunnel project in North and West Melbourne.
Projects undertaken by TAP include upgrades to local roads, enhancements to pedestrian and cycling connectivity, and beautification of the local area.
To date, TAP funding has been spent on projects including the William Street tram works, tram separators.
Additionally, funding has supported pop-up bike lanes on La Trobe, Little Collins, Abbotsford and Peel streets, and traffic modelling and intersection design in North Melbourne.
Also, funding has been allocated to shared user paths and major streetscape upgrades on Dynon Road and Franklin Street, and further development of the Spencer Street Master Plan.
Longer-term commitments will begin in 2026. This includes progressing the Hawke Street Linear Park.
It aims to enhance pedestrian and cycling connectivity, once people adjust to the new conditions and travel patterns settle following the opening of the West Gate Tunnel.
Projects
North Melbourne and West Melbourne intersection works
We have recently completed some changes at intersections in North Melbourne and West Melbourne to keep traffic moving.
These changes also aim to restrict cars and trucks from using local roads as shortcuts when the West Gate Tunnel opens.
You will notice new line markings, adjusted traffic signals, restricted turns, safety bollards, and local traffic management, while maintaining cycling and walking connectivity.
Other local traffic arrangements in North Melbourne including at Rosslyn, Adderley and Ireland streets will be considered six months after the tunnel opens.
This includes taking into account traffic monitoring and community feedback.
Thank you for your patience with recent works and to those who have contributed their valuable local insights into traffic movements in the area.
The Department of Transport and Planning and City of Melbourne have agreed that when the West Gate Tunnel opens in December, we’ll monitor local traffic for six months and gather feedback from the community to inform what other changes can be made to help manage traffic and improve amenity.
We will communicate how to provide your feedback as soon as it’s available.
If you have any questions, please contact the TAP project team or call Transport Victoria on 133 778.
Safer speed limits in North Melbourne
To make the road safer for everyone, in mid-2026 we’re introducing a 50km/h speed limit on Victoria Street between Dryburgh Street and Curzon Street, on King Street between Curzon Street and Dudley Street, and on Spencer Street between Dryburgh Street and Latrobe Street in North Melbourne.
Traffic modelling
As part of early planning for the West Gate Tunnel Project (WGTP), modelling was completed to understand the potential impacts on local traffic.
Traffic modelling assessments were released in the project’s Environmental Effects Statement (EES)
Updated traffic modelling is consistent with the 2031 scenarios reported in the original EES.
Updated traffic modelling
In mid-2025, the Department of Transport and Planning and the City of Melbourne undertook further traffic modelling for North and West Melbourne.
The updated modelling takes on board traffic volumes post COVID-19, and looks at day 1 volumes based on the latest 2025 data.
The updated modelling was completed to ensure decisions were informed by the latest data. We will continue to monitor real-life conditions for six months now the tunnel has opened to inform long term decision-making
The below images show expected total daily traffic numbers before the tunnel opening and modelling for a ‘day 1 scenario’ which reflects the expected traffic conditions immediately following the opening of the WGTP.
Daily traffic volumes before West Gate Tunnel opened
Predicted daily traffic volumes with West Gate Tunnel open
These maps reflect the predicted change in total daily traffic volumes when the West Gate Tunnel opened compared to traffic volumes before the tunnel opened.
Results
The updated traffic modelling shows:
- Traffic volume changes are consistent with the 2031 scenarios reported in the original EES.
- The need to make some changes to key intersections to keep traffic moving while restricting vehicles from using local streets as shortcuts (interim TAP works completed in October 2025), and
- A solid base for the six-month monitoring period of traffic volumes and movements following the tunnel opening.
Six-month monitoring period
After the West Gate Tunnel opens, we’ll monitor traffic on key routes like Victoria, Spencer and Hawke streets to assess changes in traffic volumes and travel times.
This evidence-based approach, along with community feedback on the interim works, will help prioritise future infrastructure projects.
It will also ensure that safety, accessibility, and amenity improvements align with actual travel patterns and community needs after the West Gate Tunnel opens.
Let us know how the recent intersection changes are working in your area by completing the below survey from Monday 9 February to 11.59pm on Monday 16 March 2026: