West Gate Tunnel hits one-million milestone

More than a million vehicles have travelled through the inbound Bundawanh and outbound Eureka tunnels, reflecting a strong uptake by motorists in just over four weeks. 

It’s a testament to how Victorians are embracing their new travel options to cross the city – and the vital role the tunnel plays in helping to ease congestion through Melbourne’s inner west.

But it’s not just drivers who are benefiting from these new routes; residents in the inner west are also enjoying the difference it’s made to the way they live.

There’s less heavy-vehicle traffic, with more than 20 per cent of the one million vehicles being trucks – reducing the number that travel along local roads in Melbourne’s inner west and improving liveability.

The twin tunnels’ direct underground route for heavy vehicles through to the Port of Melbourne is dramatically reducing truck traffic on local streets in suburbs including Footscray, Seddon and Yarraville.

Families in the inner west are also enjoying quieter and safer streets with trucks and commuter traffic moving underground and the implementation of no-truck zones.

The tunnel has rapidly improved safety for all road users, including pedestrians, bike riders and families commuting locally.

“More than a million trips in just over a month shows how much this project is helping communities, not just drivers,” said Minister for Roads and Road Safety Melissa Horne.

“By directing trucks underground and into the tunnel, we’re seeing local streets freed up, safer neighbourhoods and a better experience for families, pedestrians and cyclists alike.” 

“As more people switch to the West Gate Tunnel, we’ll continue to see reduced pressure on surrounding roads and more predictable travel times for families and businesses.” 

Find out more at Victoria’s Big Build – West Gate Tunnel.