Very large transport operation on the move - please avoid the area

The transports are scheduled to move on: 

• 19 August 2026
• 26 August 2026
• 2 September 2026
• 7 October 2026
• 8 October 2026
• 12 October 2026 

Due to the size of the vehicle, there will be very limited opportunities to overtake the load, and there may be delays of up to 90 minutes. Each tunnel boring machine component will be transported on an oversized vehicle approximately 68 metres long and up to 9 metres wide. 

This is a complex operation and safety is a priority. Please stay well clear of the vehicle when it in transit and when it is parked. If you need to travel during the time the transport is on the road, plan ahead and consider taking an alternate route to avoid delays.    

The journey  

The oversized vehicle will be accompanied by a large team of escort vehicles and co-pilots travelling in front of and behind the oversized vehicle to ensure the journey is undertaken safely.    

The transport operation will travel at an average speed of 60km/h.  There will be times when travelling over bridges or around corners where the transport will need to slow to around 5 km/hr.   

There will be short-term traffic stops on sections of Francis Street in Yarraville, Manningham Road in Heidelberg, the Greensborugh Highway to Western Ring Road, Boundary Road and McDonalds Road. These traffic stops are necessary when the oversized vehicle needs additional road space and may have to travel on the opposite side of the road.   

Road safety while the load is in transit  

The transport operation will be travelling at significantly reduced speeds.

Please plan your journey in advance, allow extra time and expect delays along the route.  

If you see the co-pilot or escort vehicle with an ‘Oversize Load Ahead’ sign and flashing amber lights, slow down and move as far to the left as you can and be prepared to stop if directed.    

If you are approaching the transport operation from behind, slow down and be patient as you will be given opportunities to overtake when it is safe to do so.    

Only overtake when directed by the co-pilot or escort vehicle. o  Do not drive between the escort vehicles and the oversized vehicle.  This makes it hard for everyone to do their job safely and you’re putting yourself and others at risk.   

For more information on safety around an oversized vehicle, please visit the National Heavy Vehicle Regulator website and search for oversized loads.

Safety when the oversized vehicle is parked.  

For your own safety and other road users, please do not stop on the freeway to view the oversized vehicle when it is parked. 

Stopping on a freeway is illegal and can create serious safety risks for you, passengers in your vehicle and other road users. Penalties may be enforced by Victoria Police and the National Heavy Vehicle Regulator.  

There will be no public viewing opportunities provided. This is to ensure the safety of everyone in the area.  

Plan ahead  

This is a huge operation with a large crew of specialists involved in the transport, their safety and your safety are the priority.  

Please plan your journey in advance and avoid the area if possible.  

Check real time travel advice at the VicTraffic website and allow plenty of time to get to your destination.