The Allan Labor Government has opened the West Gate Tunnel this morning - reducing congestion, saving families time and getting 9,000 trucks off local roads every day.
Premier Jacinta Allan, Minister for Roads and Road Safety Melissa Horne and Minister for Transport Infrastructure Gabrielle Williams today opened the city-shaping project, marking the start of faster, safer and more reliable journeys across the western suburbs.
From today, people in Melbourne's west finally have the choice they've needed - the tunnel or the bridge - transforming the way thousands move every day.
By removing trucks off local streets and reducing congestion on the West Gate Freeway and West Gate Bridge - the project will mean quicker trips for motorists, easing the daily load on drivers, residents and freight operators.
More than 6,000 workers have helped deliver the West Gate Tunnel Project including 62 million hours on site, 1.8 million hours by trainees, apprentices and cadets.
Starting today, the project introduces 24/7 No-Truck Zones on key local roads, along with new curfews on Williamstown Road - removing thousands of trucks from residential streets and improving safety for locals.
The tunnels also deliver direct in-and-out access to the Port of Melbourne via Mackenzie Road, Appleton Dock Road and Hyde Street, allowing trucks to bypass up to 17 sets of traffic lights and moving freight more efficiently.
Alongside the tunnels, the project is transforming active travel in the west, with the 2.5-kilometre elevated Dixon Veloway now open and the final links of the Federation Trail completed - forming more than 14 kilometres of new and upgraded walking and cycling paths.
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 has now opened it.
To plan your trip and explore travel options along the new corridor, visit westgatetunnelproject.vic.gov.au/drive.
As stated by Premier Jacinta Allan
"The West Gate Tunnel gives people real choice - the bridge or the tunnel - saving families time and reshaping travel across the west."
As stated by Minister for Roads and Road Safety Melissa Horne
"This will change the way people travel across the west - giving commuters faster, safer and more reliable trips."
As stated by Minister for Transport Infrastructure Gabrielle Williams
"Only Labor delivers the projects that help working families get to where they need to go."
