Tunnelling set to commence from March 2022

The West Gate Tunnel Project is building twin tunnels under Yarraville between the Maribyrnong River and the West Gate Freeway, providing a vital alternative to the West Gate Bridge.

Tunnelling for the West Gate Tunnel Project will commence in early 2022 from the Project’s Northern Portal site, on the corner of Somerville Road and Whitehall Street in Footscray.

If you live above or close to the tunnel alignment, you will also receive a second notification shortly.

Both Tunnel Boring Machines (TBMs), which will dig the twin tunnels, will travel south-west under Yarraville towards the West Gate Freeway southern portals near the Newport railway line and Williamstown Road (inbound). Bella, the first TBM launched, will construct the 4km west bound tunnel. Vida, the second TBM, will start shortly after to construct the 2.8km east bound tunnel.

Download the notification to view the map in detail.

What to expect

Our TBMs are expected to bore up to nine metres a day, operating 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, and will reach a depth of up to 27m below ground. They have been purpose built to suit local  ground conditions so that large-scale construction can happen underground, with minimal disruption to the surface.

Will I notice tunnelling activities in my home?

Most residents and businesses along the tunnel alignment are not expected to experience vibration or ground-borne noise. As your property lies outside of the tunnel zone of influence, it is not expected that you will experience any impacts from tunnel construction.

Our sophisticated Tunnel Boring Machines are very effective at minimising vibration and ground movement. We will also utilise a wide range of monitoring equipment, both in and above ground, to review and assess the tunnelling effects. This allows us to adjust our methods accordingly as we move through a range of ground conditions.

How can I find out more about tunnel construction?

You can find out more about tunnelling through the following ways:

• learn about our twin tunnels
• downloading our tunnelling factsheet
• regular drop-in sessions will be conducted in the West Gate Tunnel Project Information Centre during construction. Project staff will be available to answer any questions you might have.
• contacting us at any time on 1800 105 105 or via info@wgta.vic.gov.au.