The contractor and design has been selected for the West Gate Tunnel project following an extensive competitive process with the world’s most experienced constructors.
A consortium headlined by John Holland and CPH Contractors has been selected to build the West Gate Tunnel Project.
The design now includes Victoria’s longest road tunnel – at 4km – which will become the vital new alternative to the West Gate Bridge, slashing travel times from the western suburbs, Geelong, and Ballarat.
The project will create 6,000 new jobs, including 500 apprentices, up to 150 jobs for former auto workers, and around 400 jobs in Melbourne’s west.
The two three-lane tunnels, second river crossing, and new freeway above Footscray Road will be built using 93 per cent local content, with around 92 per cent local steel – creating jobs across the supply chain.
The project will give the western suburbs the first-class freeway they deserve, with world-leading architecture and urban design that celebrates the aboriginal heritage and maritime history of Melbourne’s west.
The updated design further responds to community feedback with the best quality noise walls in Victoria, a one km-longer tunnel that moves the exit and ventilation structure away from homes, and the creation of nine hectares – nearly four MCGs – of new open space and wetlands.
There will be 14km of new and upgraded cycling and walking paths – including a new 2.5km veloway above Footscray Road and new bridges over Whitehall St and Footscray Rd to boost safety for cyclists and pedestrians.
With the West Gate Tunnel, the Victorian Government will introduce 24/7 truck bans on Francis St, Somerville Rd, Buckley St and Moore St – a massive win for safety, air quality, and noise in the inner west.
The project will now be assessed through an Environment Effects Statement (EES), which will be publicly exhibited mid-2017 before final contractual close at the end of 2017, and construction in early 2018.
Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews said, “Drivers will now have a choice – the Tunnel or the Bridge – slashing congestion from Geelong to Pakenham.”
Treasurer Tim Pallas said, “We’re not just talking about it – we’re building the projects that matter, and creating jobs for Victorians.”
Minister for Roads Luke Donnellan said, “By giving trucks an alternative route through the West Gate Tunnel, we can introduce long-awaited 24/7 truck bans on streets in the inner west, while slashing congestion on the West Gate and local roads.”
