Truck driver killed in fatal crash in Wendouree

However, coaches will replace trains on the Maryborough line for at least the rest of Thursday.

"The Department of Transport thanks motorists for their patience as emergency services and recovery crews worked to safely re-open the freeway," the update states.

UPDATE, 1pm:

The westbound lanes of the Western Freeway at Wendouree have been reopened following a fatal truck crash on Thursday morning.

But how long the eastbound lanes remain closed, a traffic detours through Ballarat, depend on assessments expected to be made made by engineers of the the retaining wall.

The B-double appears to have braked as it left the Melbourne bound lanes at about 3.45am on Thursday morning before plummeting from the overpass into the railway cutting.

The truck's cabin has been lifted to road level, as emergency workers continue to clear the scene.

While the overpass appears to be undamaged, the retaining wall of the cutting that was struck by the truck will need to be professionally assessed for any structural damage before the freeway overhead can be deemed safe.

Investigations continue into the cause of the crash, while the eastbound lanes remain closed.

The driver of the truck is yet to be formally identified.

The Department of Transport is advising driver to only follow detour signs, not GPS directions to avoid low bridges and other hazards.

UPDATE, 11.15am:

The extent of the damage on the freeway near Mount Rowan is being assessed, with major detours in place through the centre of Ballarat.

Crews have now pulled the two trailers off the tracks, believed to carry steel frameworks and pallets.

The entire area remains closed, however it's expected west-bound lanes may open soon.

Detours for freeway traffic, including trucks are along Creswick Road, Mair Street, and Victoria Street between the freeway closure points at the Midland Highway and Ballarat-Daylesford Road.

EARLIER:

Heavy machinery has been called in and the freeway remains closed as efforts continue to clear a fatal truck crash from the Western Freeway.

The semi-trailer, which crashed shortly before 4am on Thursday morning, remains lodged on the Maryborough rail line after it ran off the Melbourne-bound lanes of the freeway, killing the driver.

While there is damage to the freeway infrastructure, no one else appears to have been hurt in the single vehicle crash.

Police have blocked off the Western Freeway at Woodmans Hill, and all Western Freeway traffic in both directions is being diverted through Ballarat.

V/Line has informed passengers the Maryborough - Southern Cross service will begin at Ballarat. Passengers can board coaches between Ballarat and Maryborough for the rest of their journey.

"We thank Maryborough line passengers for their patience while we work to get them to their destination as quickly and safely as possible following a crash on the Midland Highway that has impacted the rail corridor." a statement from V/Line said.

Heavy trucks and other freeway traffic look set to be diverted through the Ballarat CBD via Victoria street and Creswick Road for much of the day

Earlier:

Emergency services are on scene and major roads remain closed following a fatal truck crash on the Western Freeway this morning.

The accident happened at 3.45am in the Melbourne bound lanes of the Western Freeway, 500 metres east of the Midland Highway/Creswick Road overpass.

The truck appears to be a commercial freight semi trailer with national number plates that has landed on a 50 degree angle into an opening cutting in the Western Freeway median strip near the Maryborough train line.

Several heavy haulage towing vehicles have arrived to clear the scene.

Police are investigating the circumstances surrounding the fatal crash in Wendouree.

Emergency services were called to the Western Highway, near the Midland Highway overpass, following reports a B-double truck had lost control and crashed.

It appears the truck has run off the road and into a ditch and onto the Ballarat Maryborough railway line..

V/line maintenance vehicles, CFA rescue vehicles and three heavy haulage tow trucks are on scene.

Cranes are placing anchor weights around the scene to stabilise the cranes when they lift the truck out.

Creswick Road and the Midland Highway are open but the ramps entering the freeway are closed.

Police will prepare a report for the Coroner.

Anyone who witnessed the crash, or with dashcam is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or submit a confidential report online at www.crimestoppersvic.com.au

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