West Gate Tunnel Opens as Melbourne Unveils Major New Route for Drivers

The West Gate Tunnel opens on Sunday in Melbourne. It is a new $10.2 billion road built to ease pressure on the West Gate Bridge. It will give drivers a second major route into the city. The tunnel sits under the western suburbs and links Yarraville to Docklands. The main keyword is West Gate Tunnel.

The tunnel matters because many people use the West Gate Bridge each day. The bridge has long delays and heavy truck traffic. This new road aims to cut truck numbers in the inner west. According to Reuters, the tunnel is expected to take tens of thousands of cars off local streets. It also brings new tolls that start on day one.

West Gate Tunnel Brings New Route and New Tolls

The West Gate Tunnel is 6.8 kilometres long. It also has 9.2 kilometres of elevated roads. The state says it can carry 67,000 vehicles each day. It may also remove 28,000 trucks from key local roads. These figures come from official planning data reported by ABC News.

Drivers will face tolls. A standard car will pay $4.09 for a trip. A ute or van will pay $6.54. Prices rise in peak hours for exits into the CBD. Heavy trucks may pay up to $178 a day. These tolls will increase again on January 1.

Weekends in January will be free. This is a thank‑you to people in the area who faced years of noise and works. But the free period is short. Many drivers worry about long‑term costs.

The project was pitched by Transurban in 2014. The company funds $6.1 billion of the build. In return, Transurban gets a 10‑year extension to its CityLink contract. This extension may deliver major revenue through 2045. That plan has been reported by The Age and other major outlets.

Impact on Local Roads and Concerns from Residents

The tunnel’s opening comes after years of delays. Toxic soil issues stalled work. A dispute between builders and the state also caused setbacks. The project was meant to open in 2022. It is now opening years late and far over budget.

Truck curfews will apply on some streets. These rules aim to stop heavy trucks from shifting onto local roads. Residents in the west say they want firm enforcement. Some fear truck numbers could rise on certain routes by 2031. Government modelling supports that concern. That data was outlined by major Australian media outlets.

Other suburbs, including Docklands and North Melbourne, may see more traffic. Drivers may try to cut time by using new exits near the CBD. Extra tolls will apply at these exits in morning peaks. Cars will pay $6.54 and utes $10.47. These tolls aim to reduce pressure on busy inner‑city roads.

Long‑Term Questions About Liveability and Urban Growth

The West Gate Tunnel may change how people move across Melbourne. It may speed up travel from Geelong and the west by up to 20 minutes. It may also reduce noise for many homes near the old truck routes. But it may shift pressure to other areas.

Experts say the tunnel may help now. But Melbourne is growing fast. More cars and more trucks will come in the next decade. Many analysts say Melbourne may still need more rail and freight upgrades. Those comments have been widely reported by Australian transport analysts.

The state says the tunnel is a major win. Some residents remain unsure. The final impact will become clear over time.

The West Gate Tunnel marks a major shift for Victoria. It may change daily travel for thousands of people. The next year will show if the West Gate Tunnel delivers on all its promises.

Thought you’d like to know-

Q1: When does the West Gate Tunnel open?

The West Gate Tunnel opens on Sunday. It will take traffic from the west into central Melbourne. It is now part of the main road network.

Q2: How much does it cost to use the tunnel?

A car pays $4.09 for a trip. Prices rise in peak hours. Trucks pay much more under new toll rules.

Q3: How many vehicles will use the tunnel?

The tunnel may carry about 67,000 vehicles each day. It may also cut 28,000 trucks from local streets. These numbers come from official traffic modelling.

Q4: Will the tunnel reduce truck traffic?

The state says yes. Some residents are not sure. Curfews and new tolls aim to support this goal.

Q5: Why did the project run late?

Work was slowed by toxic soil issues. A legal dispute also delayed progress. These problems pushed the project years behind.