Progress continues at pace on the West Gate Tunnel Project this winter.
Drivers will no doubt have seen the architectural design features taking shape at the inbound and outbound tunnel entrance and exit structures.
The timber nets are now complete and provide visible markers for the tunnels as a new gateway to and from the West. The structures are inspired by the area’s aboriginal heritage and maritime history and also has a functional purpose to help filter light and aid eye adjustment for drivers as they exit the tunnels.
As well as the visible construction progress, teams are also commissioning the intelligent motorway system for the upgraded West Gate Freeway in coming months.
These features include variable message signs and ‘lane use management systems’, or LUMS, which help keep traffic flowing as safely and smoothly as possible. These new features will also help Transurban’s traffic control teams respond quickly to incidents like breakdowns or loose debris, by adjusting speeds and closing lanes. This smart technology helps keep everyone safer and means traffic can get flowing again quickly after an incident.
There will continue to be works on West Gate Freeway that will require changed traffic conditions. This will include ongoing lane, ramp and night closures while the outbound tunnel exit works are finished. There will also be changed conditions around the Port of Melbourne as we finish upgrading Footscray Road and open lanes previously closed for construction.
Be sure to check your route before you travel to stay across changes in these areas. You can also stay up to date at bigbuild.vic.gov.au/wgtp-disruptions.
Veloway construction cycles ahead
Cyclists are one step closer to more streamlined journeys between the city and the west, as progress continues on the veloway being delivered as part of the West Gate Tunnel Project.
Stretching for 2.5 kilometres above Footscray Road, the veloway will provide a separated cycling path between Shepherd Bridge and Docklands, allowing riders to bypass six intersections and avoid one of the city’s busiest freight corridors.
Last month 50 enthusiastic community members snapped up a limited amount of tickets to join an Open House Melbourne behind-the-barriers tour.
Transurban Group Executive of Delivery Nicole Stoddart said excitement was growing, as people look forward to riding the veloway once it’s complete.
“It’s been fantastic to see the community’s curiosity and excitement up close,” Ms Stoddart said.
“The veloway is a key part of creating safer, more accessible connections for riders in the west, and it’s clear that people are really looking forward to making it part of their everyday journeys.”
“Our priority is on delivering a dedicated cycling route that is safe, well designed and ready for riders when it opens.”
Built with dual lanes, full lighting and CCTV cameras, the veloway is designed to carry well over a thousand cyclists during peak periods.
The veloway is just one feature of the active transport enhancements being delivered through the West Gate Tunnel Project, and is part of more than 14 kilometres of new and upgraded walking and cycling paths across the inner west.
