In case you missed it, the West Gate Tunnel opened to the public on Sunday December 14. This is the first new river crossing for drivers in almost 50 years. The twin tunnels connect the West Gate Freeway to Docklands, North Melbourne and CityLink. Drivers can choose to either use the West Gate Bridge for free, or try out the West Gate Tunnel and pay a toll. To celebrate the opening of the tunnel, drivers can travel through it for free on Saturdays and Sundays in January 2026.
West Gate Tunnel open
The West Gate Tunnel will reduce congestion on the West Gate Bridge, and remove trucks from driving on residential streets. It’s made up of twin underground tunnels, which the public helped name through online submissions. The 4km outbound tunnel is known as the Eureka Tunnel, and the 2.8km tunnel is named Bundawanh Tunnel, which means “she dug” in the language of the Bunurong people.
If you’re heading towards the city, you can enter the tunnel from the West Gate Freeway, just before Williamstown Road, and exit near the Maribyrnong River in Yarraville. Meanwhile, if you’re driving west, you can enter near the Maribyrnong River and exit on the West Gate Freeway, just east of Millers Road in South Kingsville.
Drivers will need to pay a toll to use the West Gate Tunnel. Right now, cars will pay $4.09 for use of the tunnel or the Hyde St ramps, and an extra $6.54 between 7am to 9am on weekdays ($10.63 in total). Meanwhile, motorcyclists will pay $2.05, or an extra $3.27 ($5.32 total) during morning peak times. Drivers in light commercial vehicles will pay either $6.54, or $10.47 during morning peak times. To learn more about the tolls, click here.
On weekends in January 2026, you will be able to try out the West Gate Tunnel for free.
As this is a new road, remember to plan ahead, be mindful of the changes in traffic flow, stay patient as other motorists get used to the new conditions, and look out for signage that will help you on your journey.
The West Gate Freeway and West Gate Bridge will continue to be free for cars, but there will be tolls for trucks and buses.
Keen to check it out? Start planning your trip here.
