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NewsAurecon and Jacobs West Gate Tunnel design gets the go-ahead

19 June 2017 | 3 min

The Victorian Government and Transurban’s recent announcement naming the CPB Contractors and John Holland consortium, together with global engineering and infrastructure firms Aurecon and Jacobs in joint venture, as the preferred contractors to design and build the multi-billion dollar West Gate Tunnel ensures Victoria’s construction momentum will continue.

Designed as a cityshaping project to deliver a vital alternative to the West Gate Bridge, the West Gate Tunnel will provide a much needed second river crossing.

The Aurecon and Jacobs Joint Venture develops the winning concept design for the West Gate Tunnel.

Comprising twin tunnels, a second river crossing and an impressive veloway that will take cyclists through a safer, elevated route from Footscray Road to Docklands – the West Gate Tunnel project will see thousands of trucks taken off local roads and enhance Melbourne’s famous liveability – all while improving both safety and connectivity from the city to the rapidly developing west.

The Aurecon and Jacobs Joint Venture (AJJV) developed the winning concept design, after a year of intensive design work, extensive engagement with stakeholders and communities, and technical investigations to enhance the initial proposal.

AJJV Design Manager, Alex Gilbert, says: “We are excited to release a design with better connections, more open space and world-class urban design.

“The improved design responded to extensive feedback focusing on such issues as improved liveability, safety, connectivity and open spaces from Altona through to the city. It incorporates a range of innovative user-led solutions that arose from the consultation process on the project since it was first proposed and throughout the tender phase.”

The revised design incorporated significant commitment to high-quality urban design and included an increase in length to one of the twin tunnels, and a completely redesigned CityLink interchange to improve traffic performance.

Alex Gilbert says it's hard to overstate the significance of this project: “The project itself will have a positive impact on millions of people, and will transform and evolve the transport network of the great city of Melbourne.”

The project will include:

two, three-lane tunnels, including Victoria’s longest road tunnel (4 km)
widening of 6 km of the West Gate Freeway from 8 to 12 lanes
a new freeway incorporating a second crossing of the Maribyrnong River
14 km of new and upgraded cycling and walking paths including a new 2.5 km raised veloway
nearly 9 ha of new open space and wetlands, and almost 17,700 new trees

The project will now be assessed through an Environment Effects Statement, which is currently on public exhibition, before expected planning approvals at the end of the year.

Construction to commence in early 2018.