Melbourne’s West Gate Tunnel will open to traffic on Sunday, 14 December 2025, providing a new major road link between the west and central city areas after prolonged construction and budget increases. The announcement confirms the long-awaited schedule for motorists, with toll settings finalised ahead of the launch.
Confirmed West Gate Tunnel opening date Melbourne
The Victorian Government has set 14 December 2025 as the West Gate Tunnel opening date Melbourne motorists have been waiting for. Authorities completed safety checks, traffic system tests and on-site inspections to prepare the route for public use.
Premier Jacinta Allan posted a confirmation on social media, noting that the new link would open on Sunday morning. Her announcement followed earlier uncertainty, as the government waited for final sign-offs from project teams before locking in the schedule.
Infrastructure features of the West Gate Tunnel
The West Gate Tunnel extends for about 6.8 kilometres and includes twin tunnels beneath Yarraville. It connects the West Gate Freeway to major roads such as Footscray Road, Dynon Road and the extended Wurundjeri Way.
Along with the tunnel, the project includes elevated road structures and upgraded freeway lanes through Melbourne’s west. New cyclist and pedestrian paths built alongside the project works will also be accessible when the tunnel opens.
Traffic testing and safety checks before opening
Ahead of the West Gate Tunnel 2025 opening, engineers tested lighting, ventilation, emergency systems and traffic controls throughout the route. These checks were required to confirm that operations meet national road safety standards.
Project teams completing final system checks and safety testing to prepare the tunnel for motorists
Teams also assessed smoke extraction systems, fire response procedures and variable-message signs. The project partners completed the final compliance review earlier this month, clearing the way for the opening date announcement.
West Gate Tunnel Melbourne tolls structure
The West Gate Tunnel Melbourne tolls will apply to cars, motorcycles and heavy vehicles, with different rates depending on the time of day. Light vehicles will pay a standard toll, with added peak charges applied on weekday mornings when entering the city from the tunnel.
Drivers using exits such as Dynon Road or Footscray Road during peak periods will face higher fees than off-peak users. The toll points were designed to help regulate traffic entering central Melbourne during busy morning periods.
Heavy vehicles will pay higher charges based on their vehicle class. Toll points positioned near Millers Road and Williamstown Road cover both tunnel usage and the upgraded freeway section, ensuring consistent charging across the corridor.
Weekend toll arrangements and January waiver
Under the initial tolling rollout, weekend travel through the West Gate Tunnel will be toll-free throughout January 2026. This temporary arrangement was introduced to give motorists an opportunity to test the route without additional cost.
Weekend toll-free travel in January 2026 will allow motorists to trial the new route at no cost
The free-travel period applies only to Saturdays and Sundays, with regular tolls resuming on weekdays. Drivers planning weekday travel during January will still be charged the standard and peak toll rates.
Community access ahead of opening
Before opening day, more than 45,000 people attended a community “Discovery Day” event where the public could walk and run through large sections of the tunnel. The event provided a rare chance to view the internal structure before vehicle access begins.
Residents also explored nearby outdoor spaces connected to the project, including new paths and viewing areas. The turnout reflected broad local interest in seeing the long-running project up close before its transition into full operation.
Enforcement of no-truck zones
With the West Gate Tunnel 2025 opening now confirmed, enforcement of new no-truck zones will begin in Melbourne’s inner west. Cameras and signage will monitor heavy vehicles to ensure they use the designated freeway and tunnel routes rather than residential streets.
These measures form part of a broader road-management plan designed to direct freight movements onto major roads. Authorities have stated that enforcement will commence from the day the tunnel opens.
Planning and project background
The West Gate Tunnel was developed to provide an alternative to the West Gate Bridge and increase network capacity across the western transport corridor. Planning approvals and funding agreements were finalised during the mid-2010s, paving the way for major construction works beginning in 2018.
The project experienced delays relating to soil-handling issues and contractual changes, which extended the timeline and increased costs. After several revised completion targets, the new opening date brings the project to its operational stage.
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Advice for motorists ahead of opening
Road authorities recommend that drivers plan their journeys ahead of the West Gate Tunnel opening date Melbourne commuters will soon experience. Motorists are encouraged to review new road layouts, toll points and lane arrangements before their first trip through the tunnel.
Digital maps and updated navigation tools will reflect the new connections once the tunnel opens. Drivers are advised to allow extra time during the first weeks as traffic patterns adjust across the upgraded freeway and tunnel corridor.
