An overview of the completed West Gate Tunnel project was presented at the Victorian Transport Association’s (VTA) State Conference 2026.
The West Gate Tunnel officially opened to traffic on 14 December 2025, a milestone which transformed the way motorists and heavy vehicles move every day.
At State Conference 2026, Deputy Director Traffic and Network Planning for the West Gate Tunnel Project, Paul Smith, provided an update on the final stages of the West Gate Tunnel and West Gate Freeway upgrades.
Alongside Transurban General Manager Victoria, Anup Jois, he showcased the many freight reliability improvements that have been noticed since.
Smith first highlighted the importance of upgrading Victoria’s road infrastructure in order to accommodate the ever-expanding freight network.
“At this conference in past years, you’ve heard us talk about getting ready to advance in the West Gate Tunnel project involving the new M4 West Gate Tunnel and fully integrated M1 West Gate Freeway,” he said.
“It’s exciting to be here in front of you now saying that we have delivered. The project is open and is operating well.”
Smith commenced the updates with a video of the latest developments to the road network in Melbourne’s west, including the West Gate Tunnel project.
“A lot of work went into getting this infrastructure ready to open in December 2025, and those of us who have worked on it are very proud of this result,” he told attendees.
“It’s thanks to industry stakeholders such as yourselves, your input to the design, the VTA’s advocacy with determining the tolling structure and your patience during construction that we’ve got such a great result for freight transport, with direct connections to key parts of the port and improvements to the West Gate Freeway including the new and upgraded connections on and off the freeway.”
Smith said the project had the “right mix of ingredients” to help solve the challenges of the future.
“The West Gate Bridge capacity is improving as drivers use the tunnels,” he said.
“Through your experience over the last four months with using the West Gate Freeway and the West Gate Bridge, you would have noticed changes in traffic conditions on days of the week and hours of the day, and hopefully you’re adjusting to provide the most efficient outcome for your particular business.”
Port connections and accessibility for heavy vehicles have also been significantly improved.
“Since the new road opened, the container industry has demonstrated very high compliance with the new routes and restrictions,” said Smith.
“Trucks are off local roads and onto bigger infrastructure that is purpose built for them.
“We know that local residents and community groups are very happy with the results. This is what successful long term network planning looks like.”
According to Smith, the West Gate Tunnel has become an important solution for the major transport challenges Victoria is facing.
Over one million trips have taken place through the route since it opened, with more than 20 per cent of those being made by trucks.
“[This] was an important milestone as car drivers get familiar with the road and adjust their travel patterns,” said Smith.
“Truck numbers make up a big proportion of these duties, and we are very grateful to everyone in this room for the role we have played, and for making the change happen so seamlessly.
“There will continue to be investment in the freight network that aligns with Victoria’s transport plan.”
In other news, the Australian Government has announced it will be taking practical action to deal with the current spike in fuel prices.
.png){kind=logo}
