Getting ready to open the West Gate Tunnel
The West Gate Tunnel Project is entering into its final stages of works before it opens by the end of 2025.
When the project is complete, drivers will be able to travel to and from the west to the city along the West Gate Freeway via two new tunnels under Yarraville, with new city connections to Footscray Road in Docklands, Dynon Road in West Melbourne or CityLink. The West Gate Freeway will have six lanes towards Geelong and Ballarat, incuding express lanes from the West Gate Bridge.
Finishing works to get the project open – July to August 2025
To get the project ready for use by end 2025, crews will need to complete various works on the West Gate Freeway to complete the new outbound tunnel exit and asphalting work on the freeway and ramps. These works include:
- Installing cladding on the Southern westbound tunnel exit ventilation structure and other finishing works
- Tower crane demobilisation
- Barrier, kerb, drainage and asphalting works around the Williamstown Road westbound entry ramp
- Installation and commissioning of electronic traffic system.
While this work is underway, there will be lane and ramp closures from 13 July to late August 2025. These lane and ramp closures will allow crews space around the outbound tunnel exit to safely carry out final cladding works on the ventilation structure. It will also allow workers to complete the installation of remaining barriers, kerbs and drainage.
These works will be carried out in two stages and using part of the winter school holidays to minimise the impact on road users. Delays of up to 30 minutes are expected. There will be on road signage to guide drivers through detour routes.
| Dates/times | Closures on the West Gate Freeway | What drivers need to do |
|---|---|---|
| Stage 1: From 9pm, Sunday 13 July to late August | Reduced to 3 lanes between Williamstown Road and Millers Road. | Allow an extra 30 minutes travel time. If entering the freeway from the inner west, consider using Millers Road or Geelong Road to enter the West Gate Freeway, if you want to avoid the lane closure and congestion on the Freeway. |
Stage 2: From mid August to late August | Williamstown Road outbound entry ramp closed Millers Road outbound exit ramp fully closed No access to Grieve Parade outbound exit ramp from the West Gate Freeway | Use Millers Road outbound entry ramp to enter the freeway. Exit early at Williamstown Road to get to inner west suburbs. Detour via an early exit at Williamstown Road and rejoin the Freeway at Millers Road. |
Following the closures, the ramps and lanes will reopen, with the far-left lane providing access to freeway exits. Access to the M80 Ring Road and Princes Freeway will be available from all lanes.
Future works on the West Gate Freeway
There will be some disruptions as crews finalise the citybound tunnel entrance and undertake testing of the freeway intelligent system before the West Gate Tunnel opens.
We would like to thank all drivers and the local community for their patience as we continue completing key works to get the West Gate Tunnels open to the public by end 2025.
Explore your future journeys on the West Gate Tunnel now
As the West Gate Tunnel Project moves closer to completion, a new tool has been launched to help Victorians prepare for future journeys using the new tunnels and road connections.
The ‘Explore Your Journey’ online tool gives motorists a chance to plan and see new journeys on the widened West Gate Freeway, the West Gate Tunnel and new ramps and connections designed for quicker and easier travel.
Check it out at westgatetunnelproject.vic.gov.au/drive
Other works
For an overview of all road and rail disruptions in the west, check before you travel at bigbuild.vic.gov.au/westworks
Disruptions
Plan ahead and stay updated
We acknowledge construction works can be disruptive and thank the community for their patience.
Keep up to date with these changes by:
- following our social media pages on Facebook, Instagram and X
- contacting us at 1800 105 105 or emailing us at info@wgta.vic.gov.au
- planning your journey in advance via the Victoria's Big Build Disruptions Map.