Freeway management system
The West Gate Tunnel will have a state-of-the art freeway management system which will help make journeys safer and travel times more reliable. They do this by controlling the flow of traffic both on and entering the freeway. The systems also help traffic better cope with accidents and breakdowns.
This includes ramp signals which let through one vehicle at a time on the freeway which reduces congestion and helps traffic flow better.
The signals will be used when the freeway is busy, generally during the peak or after an incident downstream on the freeway.
From Thursday 20 November, the ramp signal from the Princes Freeway to the M80 Ring Road Greensborough-bound will be turned on. Driver should pay attention to the changed conditions.
Once the West Gate Tunnel is open, there will be signals at all entries from arterial roads to the West Gate Freeway along with where other freeways connect in. That includes:
- M80 to West Gate Freeway inbound
- West Gate Freeway to M80 Greensborough-bound, and
- West Gate Tunnel to CityLink northbound.
Electronic message signs let drivers know when the signals are operating.
Signs being installed
As crews get ready to open West Gate Tunnel, around 200 signs need to be uncovered.
Over the coming weeks, drivers will see new directional and toll point signage on the freeways and local roads that lead to the new tunnel.
Locations include the West Gate Freeway, Princes Freeway, M80 Ring Road, CityLink, and local roads in Docklands, North Melbourne and the inner-west, Docklands and North Melbourne.
This doesn’t mean the tunnel is open—it’s a common part of the construction process for new signs to be uncovered progressively in the weeks before opening due the large number involved.
Drive your normal route as usual. We’ll announce the opening date for West Gate Tunnel soon, and you’ll see additional on-road signs once it’s open. Stay up to date via our social channels for the latest on opening information.
The West Gate Tunnel won’t be tolled until the tunnel is open. Visit westgatetunnel.vic.gov.au/drive for toll information.
Tunnel testing information – November and December 2025
As we get closer to opening the West Gate Tunnel, you may see tests happening on and around the new tunnels in Yarraville and near the West Gate Freeway. This includes testing for signs, lights, speakers, and a small number of water system and smoke removal system tests.
If you see testing happening, or emergency services on site – rest assured this is a normal part of getting ready to open a big project. These are carefully planned and delivered to ensure the safety of everyone in the area while we finish the project and check that it’s ready to operate before it opens to traffic. Tests are overseen by safety and environment experts, and emergency services.
Small amounts of water and smoke are carefully used for checking the fire response systems. Any smoke used is non-toxic and specially created for testing.
As for any major road project, the West Gate Tunnel needs to be fully tested as part of the commissioning process. This will include running final training and response exercises with emergency services.