26 September 2024
As works progress on the West Gate Tunnel Project, you will begin to see permanent changes to the structures at the tunnel entrances and exits as the timber net and ventilation structures take shape.
When we’ll be working
We’ll continue to work 24 hours a day, 7 days a week within the tunnel construction sites until mid 2025.
What we’ll be doing
Work is progressing well as we continue to construct the ventilation structures for the southern and northern tunnel entry and exit points, with the highest point of these structures set to reach 50 meters in height.
You will start to see the steel frame and architectural wrapping around both ventilation structures on the West Gate Freeway near Millers Road and in Yarraville.
A steel support structure will be built before the timber net structures are joined together and installed at the tunnel entry and exit points. These innovative structures will ensure a visually comfortable and safe lighting transition for drivers in and out of the tunnels.
The Aboriginal culture and heritage of the west is reflected in the design of each tunnel entrance and exit point. The fluid forms of the ventilation structures draw on the shapes of traditional Aboriginal canoes and modern boat hulls.
Citybound tunnel entrance near Williamstown Road
The steel support structure and timber beams for the citybound tunnel entrance will be installed from October. The completed structure will reach approximately 35 metres in height and is expected to take around six months to build.
Outbound tunnel exit near Millers Road
Work to build the ventilation tower on the West Gate Freeway, between Newport railway and Millers Road is due to be completed in coming months. The concrete structure will be approximately 50-metres high.
Once the concrete structure has been built, the steel frame and architectural panels will be lifted and attached to the outside of the structure.
Deliveries of steel and timber will be routed via the West Gate Freeway outbound exit ramp at Millers Road. Construction for the net structure will start in the coming months.
Tunnel entry and exit in Yarraville
Work to build the ventilation structure at the tunnel entry and exit site on Whitehall Street in Yarraville continues. It currently stands 30 metres tall. The remaining 20 meters will be constructed using precast concrete panels which will be lifted and installed. The concrete works are anticipated to be complete at the end of 2024.
The timber net and cladding material deliveries are anticipated to arrive in November. You will begin to see construction begin in the coming months, and it is expected to take around 6 months to build.
More information
If you have any questions or would like more information about the project, call us on 1800 105 105, 24 hours a day.
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| Impact | Date |
|---|---|
24/7 construction noise including:
Timber net and ventilation structure construction involving:
Minor vibration and noise may occur during our work. We’ll be closely monitoring vibration and noise. The project team will contact - residents should the noise levels be higher than usual. | Ongoing |
| You will notice changes to the structures within the West Gate Freeway and at Yarraville as we continue to install silver aluminium cladding and timber net structures at each tunnel entrance and exit point. | Ongoing |
Construction vehicle movements in the area, 24/7, including:
| Ongoing |
| You will notice additional cranes on site over the coming months to assist with constructing the ventilations structures and timber nets. These cranes will allow the team to work on multiple milestones at the same time. | Ongoing |
|
Night-time lighting to keep our working areas safe. Lighting will be angled away from homes where possible while we are working at night. | Ongoing |
|
Occasional freeway, road and lane closures. Details will be available at bigbuild.vic.gov.au/disruptions. | Ongoing |
For more information on tunnel ventilation and air quality, and the EPA approval and assessment report, please visit the big build website.