West Gate Freeway works update

With the West Gate Tunnel Project preparing to open by the end of this year, our crews have been busy over the summer completing asphalting, line marking, and barrier and sign installation along key ramps and lanes along the West Gate Freeway.

Crews have completed vital works on the West Gate Freeway including resurfacing and construction of new express lanes. The final layout for the new inbound express lanes between the M80 Ring Road and the West Gate Bridge is in place.

The inner lanes allow a direct route to the West Gate Bridge with no access to the freeway exits or the West Gate Tunnel entrance, while the outer lanes allow access to the freeway exits and the entrance to the West Gate Tunnel when the tunnel opens.

These works are part of widening the West Gate Freeway from 8 to 12 through lanes and building an alternative to the West Gate Bridge.

Crews continue building the citybound tunnel entry and outbound tunnel exit, with iconic timber net features at both portals completed late last year.

Thanks for your patience during lane and ramp closures while we completed these final works.

Milestones

• 7 tonnes of asphalt laid
• 1,462m of barriers installed
• 421m of expansion joints work
• 50kms of line marking

Veloway construction update

The 2.5km cycling superhighway is now assembled end-to-end, after the final segment was lifted in to place near CityLink in December. We are applying the finishing touches including the non-slip surface, CCTV and lighting to make journeys safer.

The veloway links to a new bridge across Footscray Road near Costco, and will open later in 2025.

New Dynon Road bridge open

The brand-new walking and cycling path over the Moonee Ponds Creek on Dynon Road opened to the public late last year. The new pathway provides separation from traffic, making it safer for pedestrians and cyclists to cross Moonee Ponds Creek, replacing the narrow footpath previously in use.

The bridge is 3-metres wide and 65-metres in length, and is clad in rusted steel, providing a weathered, industrial aesthetic in keeping with the surrounding rail yards.

It's one of a number of paths people are already enjoying which include:

• A new bridge over Moonee Ponds Creek at Footscray Road
• A new bridge over Moonee Ponds Creek at Dynon Road
• A new path along Kororoit Creek
• The newly resurfaced Federation Trail between Geelong Road and Millers Road
• Two new pedestrian bridges over the West Gate Freeway.

Work is progressing well on building more than 14km of new and upgraded walking and cycling paths and more new paths will be opened after things like electricals and lighting are installed so they are safe for everyone to use.

West Gate Tunnel portal and ventilation system progress update

Construction of the West Gate Tunnel’s ventilation system is progressing well, with the westbound tunnel exit on the West Gate Freeway nearing completion.

The 50-metre-high ventilation structure has been fitted with an architectural exterior, complementing the distinctive timber net feature completed in December.

Work is also continuing on the tunnel entry and exit at the Maribyrnong River, using a similar construction approach to the southern entry and exit points.

The height of the ventilation structures also helps to ensure the air is safely removed away from the local area, which is part of the reason why these structures are so tall.

The ventilation system has been designed to ensure safe air quality both inside and outside of the tunnel. Fresh air is drawn in from the tunnel entry and pushed through the tunnel by the movement of vehicles and jet fans.

As vehicles exit, air is pushed up and through the ventilation structure high up into the air, where it mixes with fresh air away from people. By shifting trucks off local streets and moving traffic underground, the project is expected to improve air quality in surrounding areas. Ongoing monitoring and public reporting will also continue once the tunnel is operational to ensure standards continue to be met.

The system has been designed to meet strict international standards. Extensive modelling and independent assessments, including by Victoria’s Environment Protection Authority (EPA), confirm that the system will operate safely and effectively, meeting all air quality requirements.

Entries now closed

Time has ran out to enter names for Melbourne's newest road tunnels. We've had over 3000 entries with quite a few promising entries reflecting the culture, heritage and stories of Melbourne's west.

A selection committee will review all suggestions before the names are revealed later this year. Thanks to everyone who submitted a name. westgatetunnelproject.vic.gov.au/nameyourtunnels

Orange ropes appearing on Footscray Road

You’ve seen the bright orange feature light poles at the M80 and on the new bridge linking CityLink to the tunnels.

But have you seen the bright orange rope feature popping up along Footscray Road?

Using the piers supporting the elevated road as a ‘virtual forest’, an intertwining sculptural rope will create a visual link between the piers and barriers to animate the journey.

Coloured feature lighting for the elevated structures will offer a strong sense of identity and relate to the vibrant colours and lighting used elsewhere for pedestrian bridges, the Maribyrnong River bridge and the tunnel portals. The designs are a nod to Melbourne’s maritime past and proximity to Port of Melbourne.

Out and about in the community

Thanks for visiting us at the Lunar New Year Festival in Footscray on 12 January, and the Wyndham Multicultural New Year Festival on 9 February.

We’ve had a great time talking to the community about the project and what work is left for us to complete and open the tunnels later this year. During March we were also at a number of major events across the state including at the F1 Grand Prix and the Australian International Air Show.