More than one million trips have now been taken through the Victoria’s West Gate Tunnel since its opened last December.
Over 20 per cent of these trips have been completed by trucks, taking heavy vehicles off local roads and out of residential streets across the city’s inner-west.
Congestion has been reduced in suburbs including Footscray, Seddon, Yarraville, Spotswood and Altona North as a result of the tunnel’s direct underground freight route to the Port of Melbourne.
“The West Gate Tunnel is already giving trucks a faster, more reliable route straight to the Port of Melbourne,” said State Minister for Roads and Road Safety Melissa Horne.
“This is cutting travel times, reducing costs and keeping Victoria’s supply chains moving.”
Traffic volume is expected to grow further as drivers and trucks continue to adapt to the new route.
Related stories:
- New electric bus depot opens in VIC
- VIC completes Metro Tunnel integration with the Big Switch
- Measurable gains from connected construction
The Victorian Government recommends motorists heading to the Melbourne CBD, Docklands, or the northern suburbs should take the left lanes into the tunnel, which also provide access to the Millers and Williamstown Road exits.
For access to south-east suburbs, drivers are advised to take the right express lanes to the West Gate Bridge.
Motorists can also use the West Gate Tunnel to bypass the West Gate Bridge during incidents by taking the lanes to the tunnel, exiting at Wurundjeri Way and then using Flinders Street and Montague Street to re-enter the freeway before CityLink’s Burnley Tunnel.
“The West Gate Tunnel is already transforming the way people move through Melbourne’s west,” said Transurban Group Executive of Operations David Clements.
“This is a vital piece of infrastructure that is future-proofing our city for decades to come, built to support Melbourne’s growth and ensure a more reliable journey for everyone.”
.jpg)
