1 March 2022
Tunnelling set to commence - 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. We have previously sent correspondence advising that your property is located directly above or near the tunnel.
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. 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 (travelling towards Geelong) and Williamstown Road (travelling towards the city).
Bella, the first TBM launched, will construct the 4 km tunnel that will be used for outbound travel. Vida, the second TBM, will start shortly after to construct the 2.8 km citybound tunnel.
What to expect
Our TBMs will operate 24 hours a day, seven days a week, and will reach a depth of up to 27 metres 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. More information is provided in the enclosed Tunnelling factsheet.
Regular tunnelling information drop-in sessions will be conducted in the West Gate Tunnel Project Information Centre on Wednesdays from 4.30pm–6.30pm, where project staff will be available to answer any questions you might have.
How long will the Tunnel Boring Machine be under my property?
Tunnelling activities are expected to occur under individual properties for approximately 2–3 days based on a projected tunnelling speed rate of up to 9 metres per day. We will notify you in advance of the TBM being underneath your property.
Will I notice tunnelling activities in my home?
Residents and businesses along the tunnel alignment are not expected to experience vibration or
ground-borne noise that would cause concern. If you have questions about potential impacts, you can make an appointment to meet with our team either at your home or at the West Gate Tunnel Project’s Information Centre. You can contact the project team at any time day or night on 1800 105 105 if you have any concerns.
Please also let us know if you have any wells or bores on your property that you have not previously identified to us.
Will monitoring be in place during tunnelling?
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 any tunnelling effects. This will allow us to adjust our methods accordingly as we move through a range of ground conditions.
It is important for us to measure the effects of tunnelling on nearby buildings, infrastructure, and the ground surface. While the activity is low risk, this real-time monitoring will ensure any issues can be addressed immediately.
What if my property is damaged during construction?
While property damage is very unlikely to occur, properties near the tunnel alignment have previously received an offer for an independent property condition survey prior to tunnelling. These property condition surveys are in place to give peace of mind to owners about existing conditions and ensure any damage can be accurately assessed. In the event of any damage, claims will be assessed by an independent insurance assessor.
If you have not had a property condition survey undertaken and would like to do so, please contact us on 1800 105 105.
What can I do if I have concerns about tunnelling?
If you have any concerns about vibration, ground-borne noise or believe damage to your property is a result of the West Gate Tunnel Project tunnelling activities, please contact us on 1800 105 105.
How can I find out more about tunnel construction?
Regular drop-in sessions will be conducted in the West Gate Tunnel Project Information Centre during construction and Project staff will be available to answer any questions you might have.
Visit us at the West Gate Tunnel Project Info Centre
Our information centre is a great place to learn about one of Victoria’s largest road projects:
- chat with our friendly staff
- speak to tunnel experts working the project every Wednesday from 9 March 2022 between 4.30–6.30pm
- explore a fully interactive 3D model of the West Gate Tunnel Project
- take a virtual reality bike ride along our 2.5km elevated cycling track.
Location: Corner of Whitehall and Somerville Road.
Opening hours: Monday to Friday: 10:00am–5:00pm*, Saturday: 10:00am–4:00pm*.
*Excludes public holidays and the centre is also available by appointment.
