Melbourne bridges, tunnels closed for resurfacing work over Christmas - ABC Online

Updated October 22, 2013 12:06:13

Melbourne's major road tunnels will be closed for several days after Christmas for resurfacing works.

It is the first time the Burnley and Domain Tunnels have been resurfaced since they were built in 2000.

The West Gate Bridge is resurfaced once a year in one direction because of heavy traffic volumes.

Dean Zabrieszach of VicRoads says there is never a good time to close major traffic routes.

"But the work has to be done and we have chosen late December, early January when traffic volumes are at their lowest," he said.

• More than 250 people using 100 pieces of machinery in the two tunnels


• Burnley Tunnel: 43,085 square metres being resurfaced using 4,600 tonnes of asphalt over 10,800 metres of traffic lanes


• Domain Tunnel: 19,738 square metres using 1,900 tonnes of asphalt over 4,800 traffic lanes


• Up to 25 people working on the West Gate Bridge at any one time asphalting 10,855 square metres using 650 tonnes of asphalt.

"It means there will be a short burst of intensive activity and diversions but a significant amount of work will be achieved."

Transport Minister Terry Mulder says VicRoads and CityLink are working together to minimise traffic disruptions.

"This is a unique situation with both CityLink tunnels and the West Gate Bridge needing maintenance work at the same time," he said.

"That is why ten weeks before these works start, we are letting people know what to expect so they can plan ahead and still get about their daily lives during the holiday period.

"I've been assured it's a case of short term pain for long term gain."

The Burnley Tunnel will be closed for five days from 10:00pm January 2 to 5:00am January 7.

The Domain Tunnel will be closed for from 10:00pm December 27 to 5:00am December 31.

There will also be several night-time closures of the West Gate Bridge.

The inbound lanes will be fully closed on December 27 and 28 from 11:00pm to 7:00am.

The outbound lanes will be fully closed on January 2 and 3 from 11:00pm to 7:00am.

Traffic will be diverted along other city roads

Topics: state-parliament, melbourne-3000

First posted October 22, 2013 10:43:34