The West Gate Tunnel Project is continuing to build ventilation structures for the southern and northern tunnel entry and exit.

The two ventilation structures are of concrete construction with a steel frame and diagonally placed panels wrapped around the outside. Reaching 50 meters in height the ventilation towers will become a new architectural landmark.

Height is a key factor in the ventilation system’s design with an internationally utilised air dispersion sp;model used to assess the design and height of the ventilation structure in achieving effective and safe distribution. This considers several existing factors including air quality, local weather and conservative assumptions about vehicle emissions and types

The ventilation system works by drawing in fresh air from the tunnel entry, which is then pushed through the tunnel by the movement of vehicles and jet fans.

Before the tunnel exit, air is pushed up and out through a ventilation structure and into the
atmosphere where it mixes with fresh air. There are no emissions from the tunnel portals where
vehicles enter and exit.

The tunnel ventilation structures and associated in-tunnel systems have been designed in accordance with the stringent air quality standards that are in place to protect the health of communities and drivers using the tunnels. The Victorian Environment Protect Authority (EPA) has issued an approval for the establishment of the WGTP tunnel ventilation system which was informed by the Environment Effects Statement process in 2017. Information on tunnel ventilation and air quality can be found on the Tunnel ventilation and air quality fact sheet online.

The EPA approval and assessment report can also be found online on the EPA website.

Southern tunnel exit in South Kingsville

Work to build the West Gate Tunnel’s around 50-metre-tall ventilation structure on the West Gate Freeway, between Newport railway and Millers Road is ongoing with a focus on building the walls of the structure.

These works include placing reinforcement steel and pouring concrete, and installing a large emporary formwork system required for the wall pours. Once the walls have been built, the steel  frame and architectural panels will be lifted and attached to the outside of the concrete walls.

These works will continue into early 2024.

Northern tunnel entry and exit in Yarraville

We will start to build the ventilation structure at the northern tunnel entry and exit on Whitehall Street within the next few months. To do this, we’ll set up a temporary crane on site. Once the crane has  been built, work will begin to construct the concrete walls of the structure. When completed the ventilation structure will stand around 50 metres tall. Works include pouring concrete to form the r>walls of the structure as well as installing precast concrete panels. Once the walls have been built, we will begin placing the steel frame and architectural panels on the outside of the concrete walls.

Download the notification to see the artist impressions of the ventilation structures.

More detail on what you can expect during these works:

• Construction vehicles will be moving in and out of the area including excavators, concrete trucks, cranes and rollers
• Changes in traffic conditions may be experienced during these activities
• Water-spray trucks and road sweepers will be used around our worksites, keeping local roads clean during construction

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.

Visit wgtp.qrd.by/freewayupdates or scan the QR code within the notification to join.