The opening of the West Gate Tunnel is set to bring about significant changes for heavy vehicles.
The National Heavy Vehicle Regulator (NHVR) has been working in consultation with the Victorian Department of Transport and Planning Victoria (DTP), to amend access rules for trucks once the new tunnel becomes operational.
As a result of the West Gate Tunnel Project, the DTP is implementing new measures to manage traffic flow.
These measures include the introduction of No-Truck Zones and a night/weekend curfew on certain roads in Melbourne’s Inner West area.
A paper or electronic copy of the temporary variation letter must be carried, along with a current permit to be produced to an authorised officer upon request.
On the opening of the West Gate Tunnel, this variation letter provides access to the following:
- The West Gate Tunnel for all heavy vehicles except for vehicles carrying dangerous goods and over-height vehicles (4.6m high).
- The new Hyde Street ramps for all heavy vehicles carrying dangerous goods and over-height vehicles (4.6m high).
- No-Truck Zones for heavy vehicles that meet an exempted reason for travel.
In order to use the alternate route, you must:
- hold an approved current permit that includes the roads in the route summary identified as No-Truck Zones
- comply with all conditions stated on the current permit, and
- scope the route prior to travel to ensure the combination can travel safely.
The temporary variation letter is only valid for the duration of the current permit until renewal, when the route will be amended if required.
Eligible vehicles can access the alternate routes, provided a copy of the approved variation letter is used in conjunction with the current permit. If you do not have a current permit, you are required to apply for the alternative route via NHVR Go.