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.
We're now mid way through our summer works campaign to carry out asphalting, line marking, barrier and sign installation and other works on key lanes and ramps along the West Gate Freeway. Crews will also continue building the citybound tunnel entry and outbound tunnel exit.
Summer works progress update: new citybound express lanes to open
From March 2025, drivers from the outer western suburbs will soon enjoy a smooth run from the M80 Ring Road to the West Gate Bridge when three new citybound express lanes open on the West Gate Freeway.
The outbound express lanes will be introduced later this year, providing a direct journey from the approach over Williamstown Road to the M80 Ring Road and Princes Freeway. This system will help manage traffic more effectively and minimise delays, ensuring safer and more efficient travel.
All outbound ramps at Grieve Parade, Millers Road and Williamstown Road are now open. We thank the community for their patience during this phase of works.
Citybound ramps to close from 22 February to late March
From 22 February until late March, major surfacing works will kick off on the West Gate Freeway between Millers Road and the West Gate Bridge. During this time, the citybound entry ramps at Grieve Parade and Millers Road; and Williamstown Road citybound exit ramp will be closed 24/7.
The West Gate Freeway is also reduced from four to three lanes from now until late March in the citybound direction
Motorists should allow up to 30 mins extra travel time – please follow the signed detours. Choose your lane early to get to your exits.
Things to note
Travelling towards the city
- As you’re approaching the West Gate Freeway heading to the city, follow signs on the M80 Ring Road or Princes Freeway. Get into the lane you need before you reach the interchange.
- The far right lanes on West Gate Freeway will take you straight to the West Gate Bridge and city south.
- If you need to exit West Gate Freeway before the bridge, use the far left lanes and follow the signs that say “West Gate exits”.
- Keep in mind, the Williamstown Road exit ramp will be closed from 22 February, so exit early at Millers Road to get to inner west suburbs.
Here’s a summary of the works our crew will be doing to get the project ready for opening and what motorists need to know about their commutes:
| West Gate Freeway Citybound Direction | ||
|---|---|---|
| Dates | Works | What motorists need to do |
| 9pm, Monday 6 Jan to late March 2025 |
|
|
| 7am, Saturday 22 Feb to 5am, Saturday late March |
|
|
Disruptions
Important information to note
Drivers should note that from 22 February to late March:
- With the outer citybound lanes of the West Gate Freeway closed and no access to the Freeway citybound entry ramps, motorists are advised to use Williamstown Road if you want to enter the freeway to use the West Gate Bridge.
- Drivers wishing to travel across the West Gate Bridge from the Princes Freeway and M80 Ring Road will need to follow signs to ensure they are in the righthand lanes. There will be no access to the bridge from outer lanes.
- Motorists who travel in the outer lane will need to exit the freeway at Millers Road as the Williamstown citybound exit ramp will also be closed until late March for tunnel exit and entry works.
Other works
Big Build Roads will be carrying out works at the M80 Ring Road interchange, at times, over summer.
For an overview of all road and rail disruptions in the west, check before you travel at bigbuild.vic.gov.au/westworks
Plan ahead
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.