The citybound West Gate Tunnel has been closed due to a sprinkler fault.
It’s understood a false alarm set off the deluge sprinkler system in the tunnel shortly before 2pm on Wednesday 7 January.
Motorists are advised to use the West Gate Bridge or Footscray Road while the inbound tunnel remains closed.
A spokesperson for tunnel operator Transurban confirmed the sprinkler system was set off during hot conditions on Wednesday afternoon.
“There is no fire and no risk to motorists, however false alarms triggered the system to release water into the tunnel, requiring a temporary closure. Fire services attended as part of standard protocol,” the spokesperson said.
“Technicians are currently on site and the tunnel will re-open once checks are complete and normal operations are restored.”
The tunnel is expected to reopen to traffic imminently.
The closure comes less than a month after the $10 billion tunnel under the Yarra River first opened to traffic after almost a decade of construction.
The Transurban spokesperson said such incidents were not unusual.
“The West Gate Tunnel is new infrastructure and as with all major roads, there is a bedding in period where systems are closely monitored and fine-tuned.”
