Twin tunnels under Yarraville

A direct link to the port for trucks

Tunnelling is underway on the West Gate Tunnel that will ensure quicker and safer journeys and remove over 9000 trucks a day from streets in the inner west.

Twin tunnels will take traffic underground from the West Gate Freeway to the Maribyrnong River and on to an elevated road about Footscray Road.

A map highlighting the scope of work on the project, including tunnel entry and exit portals, new walking and cycling paths, new lanes and city connections

A project scope map of the West Gate Tunnel Project.

Cars and trucks will enter the citybound tunnel from the West Gate Freeway just west of Williamstown Road and exit near the Maribyrnong River in Footscray. To travel west, cars and trucks will enter the tunnel near the Maribyrnong River and exit at the West Gate Freeway just east of Millers Road.

The tunnels are being built using 2 tunnel boring machines (TBMs), with minimal impact to the community and businesses, while work happens below ground.

In February 2023, TBM Vida broke through in Yarraville, completing a 2.8km journey that started on the west side of the Maribyrnong River under Yarraville and finished at Williamstown Road near the West Gate Freeway.

Watch the moment when TBM Vida broke through the head wall. Follow the progress of TBM Bella as she continues boring the 4km outbound tunnel

The TBMs are being piloted by a highly trained specialist crew who will work around the clock while the tunnel is being built.

The project will deliver:

twin tunnels under Yarraville between the West Gate Freeway and the Maribyrnong River
a 4km-long outbound tunnel and 2.8km-long citybound tunnel
ventilation structures at each tunnel exit to remove air from inside the tunnels
Freeway Management System to support good traffic flow and safety.

Tunnel safety features will be an important feature for smooth operation of the tunnel, including automatic detection for over-height trucks, fire systems and emergency access and exits.

An artist impression of the West Gate Tunnel southern portal at night

West Gate Tunnel southern portal at night. Artist impression only - does not include detailed design.

Building the tunnel entries

The start and end of each tunnel is being built using the ‘cut and cover’ method. This involves excavating a trench then covering it with a concrete deck to form a roof. This is where the tunnel boring machines (TBMs) start and end their journey.

The Aboriginal culture and heritage of Melbourne’s west is reflected in the design of the tunnel portals, which has been inspired by the form of traditional nets and traps used to catch eels.

Further information

Diverting a 100-year-old sewer

As part of the project, a 600m section of the North Yarra Main Sewer under Whitehall Street was diverted so that we can build the tunnel.

The original North Yarra Main Sewer was 2.6m in diameter, over 100 years old and made mostly of bricks. It’s a vital piece of infrastructure sits 13 to 15m below the ground and carries 20% of Melbourne’s sewage.

The sewer was diverted to protect it from tunnelling and prevent disruptions to sewer services across Melbourne’s north and west.

Read more about the North Yarra Main Sewerage works.