A large crack has appeared in Melbourne's West Gate Bridge, but authorities say there are no structural defects.
The crack, which is believed to be about five metres in length, appeared on Monday morning on the bitumen surface of a steel section of the bridge.
It is believed last week's record heatwave, where temperatures reached more than 41C for four days in a row, may have caused the crack.
The crack is in the inbound lanes one and two of the bridge, which were closed for a short time while emergency roadworks took place.
All lanes have since been reopened.
VicRoads acting chief executive Peter Todd has stressed the damage is superficial and claims the bridge is structurally safe for the 160,000 motorists who use it daily.
He said the crack was noticed during a daily inspection of the road.
"An immediate more detailed inspection from inside the bridge identified there was no structural defect, but just a cosmetic problem involving the cracking of the bitumen," he said in a statement.
"The cause is believed to be as a result of last week's extreme heat causing the water-proof membranes under the asphalt to separate."
Huge crack closes two lanes on Melbourne's West Gate Bridge. Photo: 7News
VicRoads closed two lanes of the bridge to carry out temporary repairs, while more permanent repairs will be done on Monday night.
Motorists have been advised to expect delays throughout the day. All lanes will be open for tomorrow morning's peak, VicRoads said.
The West Gate was recently closed overnight for four nights while scheduled resurfacing works took place.
The bridge is the only direct freeway connection between the city and the western suburbs.
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