West Gate Bridge – Annual maintenance works
29/11/2024
The West Gate Bridge is a major link from east to west and undertaking the annual works is important to ensure the bridge remains in excellent condition and provides safe travel over the Yarra River for all.
Significant delays of up to 30 minutes are expected with only two citybound lanes open. There is no impact to outbound lanes, they will remain open.
Check before travelling to major events including the soccer, cricket and New Year’s Eve activities and consider taking public transport.
When travelling to:
- Mornington Peninsula or Bass Coast: Consider using the M80 Ring Road to Ballarat Road, then Racecourse Road and Elliott Avenue to access the Eastern Freeway and EastLink.
- City for work and beyond: Consider using public transport or use Geelong Road and Footscray Road to travel to the city.
- Events like the Boxing Day test or New Year’s Eve: The best way to get to major events is by public transport with extra services to get you to the match or the fireworks. If you need to drive, allow extra time and find an alternative route.
About the West Gate Bridge works
What work are we are doing on the West Gate Bridge?
Each year we undertake maintenance works on this iconic bridge to ensure it provides a safe, smooth journey for the thousands of people who use it each day.
About this summer’s works:
- We’re replacing the asphalt and waterproof membrane on Lane 4E citybound, over the steel section of the bridge.
- The membrane protects the steel deck from corrosion and has been progressively replaced over previous years.
- There’s never a good time for roadworks, but with reduced traffic volumes on the bridge during the holiday period and warmer weather, we schedule this important work at the same time during summer each year.
To safely complete the works three citybound lanes must be closed. Only two citybound lanes will be open. All five outbound lanes will remain open.
Maintaining our roads keeps our network running. It’s a job that never ends – so long as people use roads, we’ll continue to maintain them, and maintaining the West Gate Bridge is part of us working to bring you better roads.
Information for road users and local residents during West Gate Bridge works
Residents in the inner west of Melbourne are strongly encouraged to plan their journey and allow extra time or use public transport.
Motorists are reminded to obey the overhead signals, traffic management signs and the 40km/h speed limit for the safety of crews working on the roadway.
Trucks on local inner west roads
The National Heavy Vehicle Regulator will be monitoring truck driver behaviour to ensure they are using appropriate routes.
We remain committed to working with the community and industry to reduce the impact of trucks in the inner west in a carefully planned way to ensure freight keeps moving at the same time.
Information for heavy vehicle drivers
Please plan your journey in advance, allow extra time and take advantage of reduced traffic volumes during off-peak times.
Vehicles up to 68.5 tonnes can now use all lanes on the West Gate Freeway overpass connecting to Bolte Bridge in both directions following recent strengthening works on the Graham Street Bridge.
Drivers are advised to consider their route carefully to ensure they are on approved routes and avoid all low clearance structures.
Drivers of heavy vehicles must obey all truck curfews and restrictions on these routes, unless otherwise advised by a member of Victoria Police.
At all times, including during road works, truck curfews and restrictions are monitored and enforced by the National Heavy Vehicle Regulator and Victoria Police.
If delays are longer than expected due to unplanned disruptions on or near the bridge, heavy vehicles can take one of the detour routes identified on the map.
Other summer disruptions
While every effort has been made to ensure no other disruptions occur during the works, unplanned incidents could occur, such as emergency, local council and utility works in the surrounding areas.
Over summer, there will be other disruptions on our roads as work continues on the West Gate Tunnel and Big Build Roads.
Visit Victoria’s Big Build or PTV for information on major projects over summer.
Other ways to stay informed
What you can do:
- pay attention to signs in the area and take extra care while driving
- listen to the radio for regular traffic updates
- consider taking public transport to major events in the city
- check real time conditions at VicTrafic
- connect with us on