The West Gate Tunnel Project marked a major milestone with TBM Bella breaking through in South Kingsville, completing a 4km journey from the west side of the Maribyrnong River under Yarraville, to just east of Millers Road near the West Gate Freeway.  

Over the past 15 months, TBM Bella has operated 24/7, excavating over 700,000 cubic metres of rock and soil while installing more than 15,340 individual concrete segments to create the tunnel walls. The significant milestone comes just two months after TBM Vida completed her journey, marking the largest tunnel breakthrough to occur in the southern hemisphere.  

TBMs Bella and Vida have been steadily digging their way under Yarraville, 24/7, creating the two twin tunnels that will create an alternative to the West Gate Bridge.  

TBM Bella will be dismantled and removed piece by piece, with the 450-t cutterhead buried on-site, and other components either recycled or returned to the manufacturer.  

Crews will continue the important work of building the road deck and installing electrical, lighting and safety systems to prepare both tunnels for completion in 2025.  

Above ground, work is now underway to construct the ventilation system at the outbound portal and prepare for the installation of the iconic eel net structure. For further information on the project please click here and au/35 and visit https://bigbuild.vic.gov.au/. 19/23.