15 August 2023
Tunnelling completed on the West Gate Tunnel Project
Tunnel Boring Machine (TBM) Bella recently completed the 4-kilometre, 15-month journey from Yarraville to near the West Gate Freeway, breaking through in South Kingsville in early May. During its journey, the TBM installed over 15,000 concrete segments to create the tunnel walls.
The TBM dismantling is underway, and the 450-tonne cutterhead will be buried on-site, with other components being recycled or returned to the manufacturer for reuse.
Now that tunnelling is complete, our crews continue to build the road deck and install electrical, lighting and safety systems in the tunnel. Above-ground work is also underway, including constructing the ventilation system and timber net structure.
The twin tunnels linking the West Gate Freeway to the Port, city and CityLink will create an alternative to the West Gate Bridge and take 9000 trucks a day off residential streets.
Elevated road nearing completion
The launching gantry crane is nearing the end of its journey to build the elevated road over Footscray Road. Construction using the launching gantry is on track to be completed later this year.
Following the launching gantry’s work, construction will continue on the bridges over the Maribyrnong River, which will connect drivers from the tunnel to the new elevated road. The new elevated road will also include direct connections into the Port of Melbourne, taking trucks off local roads.
Dynon Road closure
Dynon Road between CityLink and Dryburgh Street is closed from 16 June until 31 August 2023. This is so our crews can continue strengthening and widening the Dynon Road Bridge to make way for new connections from the west to the city. In the first few weeks of the closure, widening works are progressing and large steel structures for the new shared use path have been lifted into place across the railway lines.
Detours are in place. For more information, visit https://bigbuild.vic.gov.au/westworks
Hyde Street ramps nearing completion
The last beam to complete the Hyde Street exit ramp was installed last month. The exit ramp – which was built using 15,000 tonnes of precast concrete will take trucks directly from the West Gate Freeway to the Port and get them off local streets.
Construction of the shared use path that links the Federation Trail to Hyde Street is progressing. Barriers separating the path from the road have been installed, with green metal design elements currently being added.
Thank you for your patience during recent works on Hyde Street and Douglas Parade. The new safer and signalised intersection opened to traffic in mid-July.
Spotlight on Spotswood Village
Tucked away in the shadow of the iconic West Gate Bridge and just a short trip from the CBD, is a little local shopping gem. The Spotswood Village centred around Hudsons Road offers a myriad of dining and shopping option.
Next time you’re in the area, check it out.
Get your indoor plants and homewares from Toast and Honey Studio or Nature’s Beauty Florist. For a bite to eat, local favorites Hudsons Road Wine & Beer, Spotswood Hotel, Maznik Spotswood and Candied Bakery are you go-tos. The stylists at Mabel & Woods, Little Bulla Salon and Holland & Co Hair offer great advice on how you can look your best for winter.
The Village has all the services you need for both you and your bike as well – talk to the friendly owners of Better U Pharmacy, Super Movement, Back it Up Osteo and Spoke and Sprocket.
Head to Our Hood Spotswood online to keep up to date on these Spotswood gems and more.
While you’re there, check out the new playground at Donald McLean Reserve just off Melbourne Road near the West Gate Freeway exit.
Opened in April 2023, the new park in Spotswood includes a large, sheltered BBQ area, a bike skills area, flying fox, basketball and netball court and a children’s playground.
The upgraded reserve also features an outdoor exercise station, with fitness equipment installed along with new gardens, trees and walking paths.
The new park was constructed in partnership between the West Gate Tunnel Project and Hobson’s Bay City Council.