The FINANCIAL — Melbourne Airport has opened a new road providing a second major entry to the airport and directly linking the airport to the M80 Ring Road.
Minister for Roads and Road Safety, The Honourable Luke Donellan MP officially opened the new 3.3 kilometre Airport Drive on June 28.
Melbourne Airport CEO Mr Chris Woodruff said the new direct access would save significant time for passengers and visitors travelling to the airport from the west, according to Melbourne Airport.
“The new Airport Drive now connects directly to the airport from the M80 Ring Road, providing quicker and easier access to the airport while also relieving congestion on the Tullamarine Freeway and Melrose Drive,” Mr Woodruff said.
Construction of the $100 million, four lane divided road was completed on time and under budget.
Other key elements of the project include significant environmental enhancements to Steele Creek North, the renaming of a section of Melrose Drive to Airport Drive; the construction of a new road – Watson Drive; and the construction of a cul-de-sac at the end of Melrose Drive.
“While the opening of the new Airport Drive is significant, we believe it’s important that a mix of transport options is available to passengers and visitors. So, in the centre of the our new Airport Drive, we’ve left enough room for a rail link, and we’ll continue to work with the State Government to bring a rail link to Melbourne Airport,” Mr Woodruff said.
The new Airport Drive and associated works are part of Melbourne Airport’s transformation.
