Victoria’s newest road network control centre is ready to manage traffic as the West Gate Tunnel opens. The facility aims to keep travel smooth and safe from the first day.
The Yarraville centre covers 38 kilometres of key roads across Melbourne’s north, west, and south-east. This includes 17 kilometres of the West Gate Tunnel, West Gate Freeway, the veloway, and parts of the CityLink network.
The 3,800-square-metre facility operates every day of the year. A 72-square-metre video wall receives feeds from nearly 900 cameras. More than 400 of these cameras detect incidents automatically, alerting controllers immediately.
The centre works alongside Transport Victoria’s Transport Operations Centre. Operators use ramp signals, tunnel information signs, electronic lane systems, over-height detection lasers, and 13 variable message signs. The technology allows staff to respond quickly to incidents and manage traffic safely.
More than 10,000 tests and simulation drills have been completed. The operations team is prepared to handle collisions, breakdowns, or spills. They can deploy crews, adjust speed limits, activate ramp signals, and manage lanes to maintain safety.
The West Gate Tunnel provides a major alternative to the West Gate Bridge. It is expected to remove 9,000 trucks from local roads and cut travel times between Melbourne’s west and the CBD.
The control centre is located near the northern tunnel entry. It supports real-time monitoring and rapid response, improving safety and reliability for drivers across the region.
More information is available at westgatetunnelproject.vic.gov.au/drive.