West Gate Tunnel work begins

WORK has begun on the controversial $6.7 billion West Gate Tunnel — before parliament has even signed off on the funding model.

WORK has begun on the controversial $6.7 billion West Gate Tunnel.

A hole seven-storeys down will be dug at Whitehall St in Footscray, which will clear the way for two tunnel boring machines.

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Work has begun on the project before parliament has signed off on the funding model with Transurban, which would see the tolling giant tip in $4 billion to the project in exchange for a lucrative extension to the CityLink tolling deeds.

Premier Daniel Andrews said the tunnel would be built and either the taxpayer would pay or motorists would via tolling.

Artist’s impression of the West Gate tunnel entrance.

Noise walls for the West Gate tunnel project.

Daniel Andrews announces the approval of the tunnel project last year. Picture: AAP

The government says they do not need parliamentary approval of its funding model until after the road is built in 2022.

The Greens and Coalition have said they would block the tolling extension.

Mr Andrews said the tunnel would get trucks off roads in the inner-west and was vital for the area’s future.

He said not everyone agreed with some projects but his job was to get them done.

When they’re launched in 2019 through the tunnel shafts the two tunnel boring machines Machines will tunnel towards the West Gate Freeway, moving 9m per day and excavating enough rock and soil to fill the MCG.

As the machines bore through the earth they will install a concrete lining behind — forming the walls, roof and base of the tunnel.