West Gate Tunnel Update & Implications for Heavy Vehicles

As the West Gate Tunnel Project moves closer to opening, Freight & Trade Alliance (FTA) is flagging some of the major changes members need to be aware of—particularly for heavy vehicle operators and freight users.

 When the West Gate Tunnel opens, heavy vehicles and trucks will incur tolls on the upgraded West Gate Freeway, regardless of whether they use the tunnel, the Hyde Street ramps, or continue along the freeway over the West Gate Bridge  — i.e. even if a truck does not enter the tunnel, it will still be tolled on the freeway.

This is a significant change. Light vehicles, motorcycles and light commercial vehicles will still have the option of using the West Gate Bridge and upgraded freeway toll-free (except when accessing the tunnel or ramps)  But for heavy commercial vehicles, the charging model is not optional based solely on tunnel use.

Tolling Changes for Heavy Vehicles

One of the most significant changes for our sector is the introduction of new tolling arrangements for heavy commercial vehicles (HCVs) and long heavy commercial vehicles (LHCVs):

• Heavy vehicles will be tolled on the upgraded West Gate Freeway, regardless of whether they use the tunnel itself. In other words: even if you do not enter the tunnel, tolls will still apply.
• The toll point is located between Williamstown Road and Millers Road, and this charge will cover use of the freeway, the tunnel and related city connections.
• Current published tolls for heavy vehicles are $19.78 (daytime) and $13.19 (overnight) per trip, with long heavy vehicles charged $29.67 (daytime) and $19.78 (overnight).
• Multi-trip discounts will apply: after the fourth trip in a day, vehicles receive a 50% discount, and after the ninth trip no further tolls are charged for that day.

This is a significant shift, as sections of the West Gate Freeway that were previously toll-free for trucks will no longer provide a cost-free option.

Members should prepare for the flow-on effects to operating costs, route planning and pricing models.

Transurban's Business Customer Team is available to help members plan for West Gate Tunnel opening with information on project benefits, pricing, toll discount schemes, driver education support and more.

To arrange a one-on-one meeting, please contact:
1300 030 686
keyaccounts@linkt.com.au

Project & Network Upgrades

The tolling change comes as part of the broader West Gate Tunnel Project, which is now in its final delivery stages.

• A major milestone will be the opening of the new Wurundjeri Way extension on Monday 27 October, providing a north–south connection from Dudley Street in Docklands to Dynon Road in West Melbourne.
• This four-lane elevated road is Melbourne's first CBD bypass in 25 years, expected to remove thousands of vehicles from inner-city streets and improve cross-city travel times.
• Once fully open, the West Gate Tunnel itself will provide a vital second river crossing, giving direct access to the Port of Melbourne and industrial precincts of the inner west.
• The project also upgrades the West Gate Freeway, adding express lanes and capacity between the M80 and the bridge to streamline freight and commuter traffic.

No-Truck Zones & Access Rules

To coincide with the tunnel opening, 24-7 no-truck zones will be introduced across key streets in Melbourne's inner west.

• These restrictions aim to reduce heavy vehicle traffic on local residential roads, instead directing trucks to dedicated freight routes via the West Gate Tunnel and Hyde Street ramps.
• The Department of Transport and Planning is assisting operators with compliance and has published maps and guidance on the new rules.

Preparing for Change

FTA encourages members to:

• Factor tolls into cost models and pricing strategies well ahead of commencement.
• Familiarise drivers with new routes, including the Wurundjeri Way extension, before opening.
• Review no-truck zone boundaries and compliance obligations, particularly for local deliveries.

More information and route practice tools are available at:
transport.vic.gov.au/no-truck-zones
westgatetunnelproject.vic.gov.au/drive

FTA will continue to keep members informed as the West Gate Tunnel Project progresses.