Melbourne City Council is set to formally oppose the Western Distributor toll road plan after the Victorian government confirmed the $5.5 billion project in an effort to slash traffic congestion in Melbourne’s western suburbs, the Herald Sun reports.

The plan includes a three-kilometre twin tunnel which will connect Williamstown Road to the Maribyrnong River under Yarraville and also widen the West Gate Freeway from eight to 12 lanes.

The move is also expected to save motorists up to 20 minutes in travel time from Geelong, Werribee and Point Cook into the CBD.

Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews told The Age the project would benefit the community.

“We’re building Melbourne’s long-overdue second river crossing – a true alternative to the West Gate Bridge that will slash congestion so Victorians can spend less time stuck in traffic on the M1,” Mr Andrews said.

“The Western Distributor will create 5600 jobs, fully funded as part of our historic investment in transport infrastructure. The time for talk is over – we are getting these projects done.”

Melbourne City Council will vote on Tuesday whether to object the project.

– TiVi Tuan-san