After the completion of the North East Link, our tunnel ventilation structures will ensure air quality around the project remains at a high standard. The ventilation structures for the North East Link Tunnels will protect the health of the local community and road users using the tunnels.

We're building 2 ventilation structures – 1 in Yallambie and 1 in Bulleen.

They are designed to:

• meet Victoria’s stringent air quality requirements – which are among the highest standards in the world
• ensure high air quality inside the tunnel
• manage emissions from current and future traffic volumes.

How tunnel ventilation works

Tunnel ventilation systems are designed to maintain safe air quality both inside and outside the tunnel to meet stringent air quality standards.

Ventilation systems work by drawing in fresh air from the tunnel entry, which is then pushed through the tunnel by the movement of vehicles and jet fans.

Before the tunnel exit, air is pushed up and out of the tunnel through a ventilation structure and into the atmosphere where it mixes with fresh air. There are no emissions from the tunnel portals where vehicles enter and exit.

Research from around the world clearly shows emissions from well-designed tunnel ventilation systems have no measurable effect on local or regional air quality.