For commuters in Melbourne’s west, a bold new visual feature is now marking the West Gate Tunnel Project, alongside the Tullamarine Freeway as tapering orange poles now light up Melbourne’s skyline west of the M80 Ring Road.
This bold new feature marks the lighting of a key architectural element of the West Gate Tunnel Project, a series of 132 steel poles, some up to 14 metres high, installed on both sides of the ramp that will connect CityLink to the new toll road.
Designed as a gateway feature, the glowing poles visually define the transition point into the new tunnel corridor. Arranged in a wave-like formation, the poles animate the interchange and create a memorable landmark while preserving surrounding views. “This is more than just infrastructure it’s about creating a sense of place,” said West Gate Tunnel Project Acting Executive Project Director Rob Forte. “These poles are a visual marker for commuters, giving them a sense that they are entering a new piece of Melbourne’s road network.”
The design references the feature poles at the end of CityLink, creating a sense of continuity. Together, these ‘bookends’ frame the full extent of the West Gate Tunnel Project.
Transurban Group Executive of Delivery and Risk Nicole Stoddart said the feature poles are part of a broader vision to create infrastructure that is both functional and meaningful.
“We know infrastructure plays a huge role in shaping how people experience their city,” Stoddart said. “Through bold and thoughtful design, we’re creating something that not only improves how people move, but also celebrates the identity and spirit of the west.”
With testing now underway on the lights, the glowing orange gateways are a bright signal of what’s to come – a safer and more connected journey for communities in the west.
The West Gate Tunnel will also be Melbourne’s newest smart motorway, bringing intelligent transport systems to the west. These systems will help monitor traffic, manage congestion and enhance road safety.
