Twin tunnels

A direct link to the port for trucks

Twin tunnels will take traffic underground from the West Gate Freeway to the Maribyrnong River.

The West Gate Tunnel Project will ensure quicker and safer journeys and remove over 9000 trucks a day from streets in the inner west.

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. 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.

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 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.

Artist impression of the southern inbound tunnel. — Southern inbound tunnel. Artist impression only - does not include detailed design.

Artist impression of West Gate Tunnel northern portal — West Gate Tunnel northern portal. 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.

Crew standing in front of TBM Bella cutterhead

State-of-the-art TBMs will build the twin tunnels

These machines use the latest tunnelling technology and are custom designed and built to suit ground conditions in Melbourne’s west.

The TBMs start their journey at the northern portal and move southwest towards the southern portals in the West Gate Freeway. Work will start on the 4km outbound tunnel first, closely followed by the 2.8km inbound tunnel. The longer tunnel will take around 18 months to bore.

Read more about our tunnel boring machines.

Managing tunnel soil

Work has started on a purpose-built facility at Hi-Quality Group’s Sunbury Eco-Hub that will manage and dispose of soil excavated by the tunnel boring machines on the West Gate Tunnel Project. Learn how we manage rock and soil from this project on our Tunnelling and soil management webpage.

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.

New open spaces

The West Gate Tunnel Project is also providing new walking and cycling paths and new open space nearby.

Sign up for updates

Stay updated about the West Gate Tunnel Project with key announcements and milestones.