The West Gate Tunnel in Melbourne will open on Sunday, December 14, with no-truck zones on key roads in the inner west coming into effect the same day, said Freight Victoria.
From Sunday, trucks will have access to new roads, tunnels, and ramps, including new ramps for oversize and placarded loads on Hyde St, Spotswood.
No-truck zones will start with:
- 24/7 no-truck zones on Francis Street and Somerville Road in Yarraville, Buckley Street and Moore Street in Footscray and Blackshaws Road in Altona North and Hudsons Road in Spotswood, and
- a night-time (8pm–6am) and weekend no-truck zone on Williamstown Road in Seddon and Yarraville.
Roadside cameras will monitor trucks in no-truck zones, collecting information to enable the National Heavy Vehicle Regulator (NHVR) to enforce the rules.
Exemptions will apply to allow trucks with origins and destinations within the no-truck zones to complete essential deliveries, such as groceries and parcels.
“If your vehicle or journey type is lawfully permitted within a no-truck zone, this should be identified by the NHVR cameras,” warned Freight Victoria in an email to industry today.
Freight Victoria said industry can use the No-Truck Zone Travel Check tool on the Transport Victoria website to confirm exemption status.
Vehicles travelling with dangerous goods, including dangerous liquids, are reminded that they are not permitted in tunnels.
Transurban said it will waive the Bolte Bridge toll for vehicles with a placarded load where their trip is originating within the port precinct.
Freight Victoria said tolls will be charged from day one of West Gate Tunnel operation, including the heavy/long vehicle toll point located on the West Gate Freeway.
“We know this will be a change to operations for many in the industry and we’re here to help you adjust,” said Freight Victoria.
If you have any questions, concerns, or need additional support, Freight Victoria said operators can call the Transport Victoria Roads Calls Centre on 13 37 78 between 8am and 6pm weekdays or email Freight Victoria directly via freightvictoria@transport.vic.gov.au.