West Gate Tunnel Project

Thorough

technical

review

of

complex

transport

infrastructure

designs

Melbourne's West Gate Tunnel Project was designed to provide a vital alternative to the West Gate Bridge, facilitating faster and safer journeys while removing over 9,000 trucks daily from residential streets in the inner west.

Addressing Critical Traffic Issues

Currently, over 200,000 vehicles rely on the West Gate Bridge daily, and single incidents can halt traffic flow. This project aims to reduce Melbourne’s dependence on the West Gate Bridge by constructing a new tunnel and additional links to the port, CityLink, and the city. The project, a partnership between the Victorian Government and Transurban, is being built by construction contractors CPB Contractors and John Holland.

Location

Melbourne, Australia

Client

CPB Contractors and John Holland

Partnership

AECOM

Expertise

Roads, Highways & Bridges

200000

vehicles daily

billion ($)

project value

Delivering Robust Engineering Solutions

SMEC, in a joint venture with AECOM (ASJV), was engaged to provide proof engineering services for the structural, geotechnical, and temporary works designs on the $10 billion major infrastructure project – West Gate Tunnel Project. Many of the structures were highly complex including extensive tunnelling, bridge erection and heavy lifting among existing infrastructure and live road traffic.

Detailed structural and geotechnical reviews were undertaken to certify the designs. However, in addition to simply certifying the design we met with the builders and the designers regarding their proposed works with our analysis, review and comments providing confidence regarding the design solutions.

Enhancing Travel Safety and Efficiency

The West Gate Tunnel Project represents among the most expensive major road transport infrastructure project in Victoria, meeting stringent standards and quality requirements. This project will significantly enhance travel times and safety for road users, cyclists, and pedestrians traveling to and from Melbourne’s rapidly developing western suburbs.

SMEC's successful delivery of this complex and high-stakes project highlights our expertise in structural and geotechnical engineering. Through close collaboration with our Joint Venture partner AECOM, we played a crucial role in reshaping Melbourne's transport infrastructure, paving the way for a more efficient and sustainable future.

— Nick Corda, Manager - Roads & Highways, Melbourne

Our team’s flexibility in using various cloud document storage systems and remote digital meeting formats was crucial, especially when navigating the challenges posed by pre, during, and post-COVID restrictions.

Innovative Approaches and Sustainable Practices

As part of our proof engineering responsibilities, we ensured that the designs adhered to the project requirements and relevant Australian Standards concerning sustainability and climate change. This often related to the durability treatment of reinforced concrete and structural steel.

By successfully navigating the complexities of the West Gate Tunnel Project, SMEC’s Roads & Highways team continues to contribute to the delivery of safe, efficient, and sustainable road infrastructure designed and built for the future.