As the Allan Labor Government prepares to open the West Gate Tunnel on Sunday, Victoria's newest road network control centre is ready to keep traffic moving safely from day one.
Minister for Roads and Road Safety Melissa Horne and Minister for Transport Infrastructure Gabrielle Williams today announced rigorous testing at Transurban's Yarraville control centre is complete - ensuring smooth and safe travel through the road tunnels.
The high-tech centre brings together cutting-edge monitoring systems and rapid-response crews to oversee 38 kilometres of key roads across Melbourne's north, west and south-east - including 17 kilometres of the West Gate Tunnel, West Gate Freeway and veloway, alongside the existing CityLink network.
The 3,800 square metre facility will operate every day of the year and features a 72-square-metre video wall fed by almost 900 cameras, including more than 400 high-tech cameras that automatically detect incidents like breakdowns and immediately alert controllers.
Built beside the landmark northern tunnel entry, the new control centre will support Transport Victoria's Transport Operations Centre (TOC), which manages the broader state network - delivering safer and more reliable journeys.
Operators will use real-time technology including ramp signals, tunnel information signs, the electronic Lane Use Management System, over-height detection lasers and 13 variable message signs - enabling staff to spot issues immediately and respond fast to anything affecting traffic flow or safety.
More than 10,000 tests and simulation drills have been completed to ensure all systems are ready - so whether it's a collision, breakdown or spill, the operations team will be able to act immediately - deploying crews, adjusting speed limits, activating ramp signals and managing lane access to keep drivers safe.
The West Gate Tunnel will provide the first real alternative to the West Gate Bridge, taking 9,000 trucks off local roads and slashing travel times between Melbourne's west and the CBD.
Just like the Metro Tunnel, the Liberal Party opposed the West Gate Tunnel and said it was "not in the community interest."
In 2018, Jess Willson's Liberals tried to block the West Gate Tunnel from being built. Labor will open it on Sunday.
To learn more about the West Gate Tunnel Project, visit westgatetunnelproject.vic.gov.au/drive.
As stated by Minister for Roads and Road Safety Melissa Horne
"This new control centre uses advanced technology to monitor traffic and incidents, manage the road network around the West Gate Tunnel which provides direct access in and out of the Port of Melbourne - boosting productivity, improving safety, and making Melbourne's west safer."
As stated by Minister for Transport Infrastructure Gabrielle Williams
"This state-of-the-art control centre will boost safety and deliver more reliable trips to work, school or home as Victorians start using the West Gate Tunnel for the first time."
As stated by Member for Footscray Katie Hall
"This new control centre will help monitor incidents and manage traffic right around Footscray, supporting Transport Victoria to reduce congestion, keep traffic flowing and keep people safe - 24/7."
