The West Gate Tunnel Project has been making great strides across all construction areas over the past month.
A massive 1200-tonne crane (called a launching gantry) above Footscray Road has turned around and started the citybound leg of its journey, having recently completed the first stage of the outbound journey to build a new elevated motorway that will connect the tunnels into CityLink and the City.
The launching gantry will continue working into 2023, lifting and connecting concrete segments to make up the citybound carriageway.
It has a big job ahead of it in building the elevated motorway above Footscray Road – installing a total of over 1400 concrete segments to support the new road.
A temporary walking and cycling path is now in place on Footscray Road between Waterfront Way and Little Docklands Drive. The path will keep pedestrians and cyclists safe while works are underway to build a bridge over Footscray Road, providing safer pedestrian access by avoiding busy intersections.
Once complete, the path and bridge will connect with the 2.5km veloway, currently under construction as part of the elevated road. The veloway will attach to the underside of the road and create a quicker and safer journey to and from the city for cyclists.
Underground, Tunnel Boring Machines are continuing their steady progress towards the half-way point of digging twin tunnels under Yarraville.
The massive machines are on track to break through at the new entry and exit at the West Gate Freeway in 2023. To keep an eye on progress, visit the project website to see the recently launched tunnel tracker.
Major works at the Millers Road interchange will continue until late October while pavement, drainage, noise wall and walking and cycling path works are undertaken. Drivers are reminded that there will be regular road, ramp and lane closures during this time, and we thank you for your ongoing patience. Detours are in place, so plan ahead before setting out on your journey.
Stay up-to-date with the West Gate Tunnel Project by following the Facebook page, Instagram or visit www.bigbuild.vic.gov.au/westgatetunnelproject.
Almost all West Gate Tunnel Project’s major works around Millers Road will be completed at the end of these works, with some minor works to continue into 2023.
