Dec 8 (Reuters) - Transurban Group TCL.AX :
* Western distributor to progress to exclusive negotiations TCL.AX
* Says welcomes exclusive negotiations with Victorian Government on Western Distributor Project
* Transurban anticipates reaching an in-principal agreement with the victorian government by mid 2016
* Significant capex from Transurban is not expected until capital construction works commence on west gate freeway/western distributor corridor
* Western distributor project currently expected to cost around $5.5 billion (nominal dollars)with exact construction costs to be determined through tender process
* Transurban anticipates financial close for the project occurring by late 2017
* Source text for Eikon ID:nASX1shqpD