- Published:
- Friday 12 December 2025 at 4:00 pm
The Allan Labor Government’s West Gate Tunnel opens on Sunday – reducing congestion, saving families time, and removing 9,000 trucks off local roads every day.
Premier Jacinta Allan, Minister for Transport Infrastructure Gabrielle Williams and Minister for Roads and Road Safety Melissa Horne today announced the tunnels will open to traffic on Sunday, 14 December – and unveiled the names of the project’s twin tunnels – Eureka and Bundawanh.
The West Gate Tunnel will mean:
- Up to 13 minutes in travel time savings to the Port of Melbourne from Melbourne’s west (e.g., Altona, Derrimut)
- Up to 20 minutes in travel time savings between the city and Melbourne’s west
- 22,000 fewer vehicles on the Bolte Bridge, and an alternative route to the western suburbs, Geelong and the surf coast, and
- A 50 per cent increase to capacity on the West Gate Freeway and 28,000 fewer vehicles on the West Gate Bridge, which eases traffic congestion from Pakenham to Geelong.
The 4-kilometre outbound tunnel will be known as the Eureka Tunnel, recognising the spirit of Australian workers and forming a new gateway to Ballarat and western Victoria.
The 2.8-kilometre inbound tunnel will be named the Bundawanh Tunnel – meaning “he/she dug’’ in the Bunurong language – reflecting the deep connection between the Bunurong people and the land where the tunnels sit.
Motorists will soon travel on 17 kilometres of new and upgraded connections across Melbourne’s west including tunnels, ramps, bridges, elevated roadways and a widened West Gate Freeway – unlocking faster, safer and more reliable travel.
More than 6,000 workers have helped deliver the West Gate Tunnel Project which has delivered twin underground tunnels, a new bridge over the Maribyrnong River, as well as 70 kilometres of new traffic lanes and an expansion of the West Gate Freeway from eight to 12 lanes.
The project also provides direct connections to the Port of Melbourne via Mackenzie Road, Appleton Dock Road, and Hyde Street ramps, and over 14 kilometres of upgraded walking and cycling paths – including the 2.5-kilometre elevated Dixon Veloway that seamlessly connects the Federation Trail to Melbourne’s CBD.
The project will deliver seven new truck bans and weekend/night curfews on key local roads, improving safety and reducing congestion in surrounding communities.
Opening day is expected to be busy, so motorists are urged to plan their journey and allow extra travel time.
Just like the Metro Tunnel, the Liberal Party opposed the West Gate Tunnel and said it was “not in the community interest.”
In 2018, Jess Willson’s Liberals tried to block the West Gate Tunnel from being built.
Labor will open it on Sunday.
To plan your trip and explore travel options along the new corridor, visit westgatetunnelproject.vic.gov.au/drive.
Quotes attributable to Premier Jacinta Allan
“The West Gate Tunnel saves time for families and workers and only Labor delivered it.”
“With the West Gate Tunnel, you’ll save up to 20 minutes travelling between the city and Melbourne’s West. Even if you don’t use it, it takes 28,000 cars off the West Gate Bridge so there’s less congestion on your drive.”
Quotes attributable to Minister for Transport Infrastructure Gabrielle Williams
“The Liberals tried to stop the West Gate Tunnel and said it was a dud deal.”
“Only Labor delivers the projects Victorians need to save them time on the road so they can spend more time at home.”
Quote attributable to Minister for Roads and Road Safety Melissa Horne
“With direct links to the Port of Melbourne and new No-Truck Zones protecting local streets, the West Gate Tunnel makes communities safer, makes our economy more productive, and saves everyone time.”
Quote attributable to Member for Footscray Katie Hall
“The Westgate Tunnel will take 9,000 trucks off local roads every day.”