// Introduction //

Melbourne Airport is undergoing a massive transformation to tackle its notorious peak-hour congestion—promising to cut travel times by up to 28 minutes with the new Naarm Way elevated roadway and upgraded drop-off zones12.

�� #1: Naarm Way – A Game-Changer for Airport Traffic

✅ Opening in 2026, this high-speed elevated road will:

·Bypass traffic lights, reducing bottlenecks on Departure Drive1.

·Double drop-off capacity, speeding up passenger pickups2.

·Free up space for future international terminal expansion2.

�� Why It Matters?

Currently, 340+ million passengers/year use the airport, with 700+ million expected in 20 years2.

Without Naarm Way, delays could worsen by 28 minutes by 20301.

�� #2: Construction Impact & Upgrades

�� Ongoing Works (2025-2026):

·Nightly lane closures for steel beam installations2.

·2,000 parking spots removed temporarily for construction8.

·Modular bridge assembly to minimize disruptions2.

�� Future Changes:

·Old drop-off zones replaced with a centralized hub2.

·Pedestrian safety boost with new walkways8.

⚠️ Travel Advisory:

Add 30 mins to trips during construction4.

Book parking early—spaces will be limited8.

�� Long-Term Benefits

✔ Faster airport access (saving 28+ minutes in peak times)1.
✔ Supports future growth (new runway & terminal expansions)5.
✔ Safer, smoother traffic flow for passengers and drivers2.

�� What’s Next?

2026: Naarm Way fully operational1.

2031: Third runway opens, doubling flight capacity3.

Ongoing: Airport rail link construction (expected post-2026)6.

Final Takeaway:
"Short-term pain for long-term gain—Melbourne Airport is future-proofing for millions more travelers!"