All Melbourne-bound lanes on the Princes Freeway have been closed after a truck rolled over, causing a massive diesel spill.
The truck is believed to have hit a metal expansion plate that came loose during overnight roadworks, damaging at least 10 vehicles and causing the truck to roll over.
The freeway is the only major highway to Melbourne from the city’s west side, and drivers making their way from Geelong to the city have been warned to expect 3hr commutes after police diverted traffic off the freeway through Werribee and the Point Cook area.
Live footage shows a long line of vehicles gridlocked on the freeway while emergency services work to clear the crash site.
‘The road surface has been damaged and repairs continue,’ VicTraffic said.
Many commuters unleashed about the condition of the freeway following the incident.
‘Hope VicRoads pay for the damage to the cars and truck considering it was their hole in the road that they failed to fix,’ one wrote.
‘Big hole in the road, not driver’s fault, many cars changing their tyres,’ another said.
All Melbourne-bound lanes of the Princes Freeway have been closed, with commuters facing serious delays
Police are on scene diverting traffic from the lanes, which are backed up with traffic
Roads around Werribee and Point Cook, including Duncans Road and Sneydes Road, are heavily impacted. Many of the thousands of commuters have begun to turn back to Geelong.
Commuters are being urged to take V/Line trains instead of driving.
One lane is expected to open soon, however, it could take until midday before the freeway is completely open.
Victoria Police have advised they are assisting with traffic management.
‘Police are currently assisting with traffic management issues on the Princess Freeway inbound in Werribee following multiple collisions early this morning,’ a spokeswoman said.
‘While the collisions have been cleared, due to the condition of the road, diversions remain in place between Princes Highway, Werribee Road and Duncans Road.
‘It is understood issues with the road contributed to the collisions, which occurred about 4.20am. No one was injured.
‘The diversions remain under the control of Transport Victoria, for anything further in relation to the road, please refer to Transport Victoria.’
One motorist, Ken, told radio station 3AW he only managed to cover 2km in 40 minutes before he could get off the freeway.
