Tunnel portal construction works

We are continuing works at our tunnel portals – the exit and entry points to our tunnels – within the West Gate Freeway in July, which will include building a new electrical substation, foundations for the new tunnel portal structures, and a large new crane.

We expect that works at the tunnel portals will continue to ramp up in 2022. We will share information about this next phase of works and what you can expect to see and experience as the tunnel portals start to take shape over the coming months.

If any of these works are expected to be particularly disruptive, we will be in touch before they start.

What to expect and when

Southern outbound portal (between Millers Road and Newport Railway Line)

Works will commence soon to build the substation, which will power the tunnels’ electrical, mechanical and instrumentation components.

These works include foundation works, concrete pours, structural steel and installation of precast panels.

A tower crane 60m tall will be built at the site towards the end of July and used for upcoming construction. Works will also involve concrete and reinforcement delivery. The majority of these deliveries will be via the West Gate Freeway and Cawley Road.

Southern inbound portal (near Williamstown Road)

Ongoing

Works are continuing to build the portal foundations for the citybound entrance to the tunnel. These works include excavation, steel reinforcement and concrete works.
The team will also start to build several of the cross passages which connect the two tunnels, allowing access between them, in case of an emergency and for maintenance.

The tunnel boring machine (TBM) digging the citybound tunnel is progressing well and in anticipation for the TBM arrival, work is underway to build a large gantry crane to remove the TBM “Vida” once finished it’s 2.8km journey. Two steel beams will be lifted and put in place above the retrieval pit with the crane to be built on top of it. The beam lift is expected to take place in mid-July, at night a ramp closure required.

Download the works notice to view the works area.

More detail on what you can expect during these works

• Works will be completed primarily during the day with only occasional nightworks
• Construction vehicles will be moving in and out of the area including excavators, concrete trucks, cranes and rollers
• Minor vibration and noise may be experienced during these works.
• Water-spray trucks and road sweepers will be used in local streets around our worksites, keeping local roads clean during construction.
• Changes in traffic conditions may be experienced during these activities.
• Lighting will be angled away from homes whenever possible while we are working at night.

Thank you

We appreciate our work can be disruptive and thank you for your understanding. Works may be rescheduled in the event of unexpected impacts.

For updates or questions, please

• call us at 1800 105 105
• email us at info@wgta.vic.gov.au
• visit West Gate Tunnel Project website or
• you can drop into our Information Centre at 2 Somerville Road, Yarraville 3013 Monday–Friday 10am–5pm or Saturday 10am–4pm

for further information on the project.

Join the West Gate Freeway Construction Updates Facebook Group

Do you live or work near the West Gate Freeway? Stay informed on the latest works in the area –sign up and be a member of the West Gate Tunnel Project – West Gate Freeway Construction Updates Facebook Group.