December 13th, 2025West Gate Tunnel
With preparations to open the West Gate Tunnel tomorrow Victoria’s newest road network control centre is ready to keep traffic moving safely from day one.
Minister for Roads and Road Safety Melissa Horne and Minister for Transport Infrastructure Gabrielle Williams has announced rigorous testing at Transurban’s Yarraville control centre is complete – ensuring smooth and safe travel through the road tunnels.
The high-tech centre brings together cutting-edge monitoring systems and rapid-response crews to oversee 38 kilometres of key roads across Melbourne’s north, west and south-east – including 17 kilometres of the West Gate Tunnel, West Gate Freeway and veloway, alongside the existing CityLink network.
The 3800 square metre facility will operate every day of the year and features a 72-square-metre video wall fed by almost 900 cameras, including more than 400 high-tech cameras that automatically detect incidents like breakdowns and immediately alert controllers.
Built beside the landmark northern tunnel entry, the new control centre will support Transport Victoria’s Transport Operations Centre (TOC), which manages the broader state network – delivering safer and more reliable journeys.
Operators will use real-time technology including ramp signals, tunnel information signs, the electronic Lane Use Management System, over-height detection lasers and 13 variable message signs – enabling staff to spot issues immediately and respond fast to anything affecting traffic flow or safety.
More than 10,000 tests and simulation drills have been completed to ensure all systems are ready – so whether it’s a collision, breakdown or spill, the operations team will be able to act immediately – deploying crews, adjusting speed limits, activating ramp signals and managing lane access to keep drivers safe.
The West Gate Tunnel will provide the first real alternative to the West Gate Bridge, taking 9000 trucks off local roads and slashing travel times between Melbourne’s west and the CBD.
To learn more about the West Gate Tunnel Project, visit westgatetunnelproject.vic.gov.au/drive.
