On Sunday, May 7, the West Gate Tunnel project reached a new milestone , with Tunnel Boring Machine (TBM) ‘Bella’ finishing its journey.
The TBM completing its 15-month journey, marks the beginning of a new stage of the two twin tunnels that will create a highly anticipated alternative to the congested West Gate Bridge.
TBM Bella started its 4-kilometre journey from the west side of the Maribyrnong River under Yarraville and completed its path just east of Millers Road near the West Gate Freeway, in South Kingsville.
TBM Bella excavated enough soil to fill the MCG while installing more than 15,000 individual concrete segments to create the tunnel walls.
Crews on the project will continue building the road deck and installing electrical, lighting and safety systems including the beginning of the construction of the ventilation system to prepare both tunnels for completion in 2025.
Transport and Infrastructure Minister Jacinta Allan said this milestone marks the end of one the most time consuming parts of the project.
“This is a significant breakthrough, completing one of the most challenging parts of the West Gate Tunnel Project – in just a few years’ time, thousands of Victorians will travel through this tunnel each day, transforming Melbourne’s west.”
Jennifer Pittorino
