Travel around Melbourne’s west will soon be transformed with the West Gate Tunnel Project and Metro Tunnel Project both opening later this year, and the Sunbury Line level crossing free by the end of 2025.
The West Gate Tunnel project is now entering into the final stage of works, and drivers will soon be able to travel to and from the west to the city via two new tunnels under Yarraville, with new city connections to Footscray Road in Docklands, Dynon Road in West Melbourne andCityLink.
The project will also deliver more than 14km of new and upgraded paths, making it safer and easier for more people to walk or cycle –including a dedicated cycling express route to the CBD via a 2.5km elevated veloway above Footscray Road. With vacant industrial land also being turned into new parks and open space for people to enjoy, the West Gate Tunnel will make the inner west an even better place to live.
With the Sunbury Line level crossing free this year, and four sets of boom gatesset to go from Melton and Truganina in 2026,getting around the west will be safer and easier. A new Melton Station will also open to passengersin 2026, two years ahead of schedule.
Bigger, nine-carriage trains will be introduced as part of the Melton Line Upgrade, boosting passenger capacity on the lineby up to 50 per cent, reducing crowding on busy services.
When the Metro Tunnel opens later this year, it will connect the Sunbury line with the Cranbourne/Pakenham lines, and travel through five new stations in the city – Arden, Parkville, State Library, Town Hall and Anzac.
Commuters on other lines, including regionalV/Line trains,will be able to change at Sunshine or Footscray to connect to these new city stations. A direct service to Parkville will transform the commute for staff, patients, students and visitors to the hospital and university precinct. The new Anzac Station will significantly improve access to the St Kilda Road precinct and key Melbourne landmarks.
The Victorian Infrastructure Delivery Authority (VIDA) is delivering the state’s transport and health infrastructure programs.
This includes more than 200 projects such as the Metro Tunnel, North East Link, West Gate Tunnel, removing 110 level crossings, building new hospitals and upgrades to ambulance stations, specialist health services and early parenting centres.
Kevin Devlin, Director General, Victorian Infrastructure Delivery Authority said “We’re getting it done and not wasting a minute. We’re making it easier and safer for everyone to get where they need to go quickly and efficiently. We’re upgrading roads and rail, boosting safety and easing congestion.”
