West Gate Tunnel Opens Sunday

The Allan Labor Government confirms the West Gate Tunnel opens to traffic on 14 December, reshaping travel conditions for motorists across Melbourne’s west, including Wyndham.

The project introduces two new road tunnels — the 4-kilometre outbound Eureka Tunnel and the 2.8-kilometre inbound Bundawanh Tunnel — as part of a 17-kilometre network of new and upgraded roads, ramps, bridges and widened freeway sections.

For Wyndham residents, the tunnel is expected to significantly affect daily travel to the CBD, the Port of Melbourne and surrounding industrial areas.

The State Government says trips between Melbourne’s west and the city could be up to 20 minutes faster, while travel times to the Port of Melbourne may reduce by up to 13 minutes from areas including Derrimut.

Traffic volumes are expected to shift away from existing crossings, with fewer vehicles using the West Gate Bridge and Bolte Bridge.

Freight movement will also change, with direct truck access to the Port of Melbourne via Appleton Dock Road, Mackenzie Road and Hyde Street, alongside new truck bans and curfews on selected local roads.

The State Government says these changes will remove thousands of trucks from residential streets each day, easing congestion and improving safety.

However, the opening comes amid ongoing concern from western suburbs residents about the tunnel’s air filtration and ventilation systems.

Community members have raised questions about emissions from tunnel exhaust stacks and are calling for greater transparency around air quality monitoring and long-term health impacts.

Motorists are warned opening day is expected to be busy and are urged to plan their journeys and allow extra travel time.

The project has remained politically contentious. The Liberal Party opposed the West Gate Tunnel during its planning stages and attempted to block the project in 2018. Labor has proceeded with the project and confirmed it will open on Sunday.

Premier Jacinta Allan says the project will change how people move across Melbourne’s west.

“The West Gate Tunnel saves time for families and workers and only Labor delivered it,” she said.

“With the West Gate Tunnel, you’ll save up to 20 minutes travelling between the city and Melbourne’s west. Even if you don’t use it, it takes 28,000 cars off the West Gate Bridge so there’s less congestion on your drive.”

Minister for Roads and Road Safety Melissa Horne, who has also been criticised by some Williamstown residents over air quality concerns, says the project will reshape freight movement.

“With direct links to the Port of Melbourne and new no-truck zones protecting local streets, the West Gate Tunnel makes communities safer, makes our economy more productive, and saves everyone time,” she said.

More than 6,000 workers contributed to the project, which includes twin tunnels, a new bridge over the Maribyrnong River, 70 kilometres of new traffic lanes and an expansion of the West Gate Freeway from eight to 12 lanes.

The project also includes upgraded walking and cycling links, including the elevated Dixon Veloway connecting the Federation Trail toward the CBD.