West Gate Bridge

The West Gate Bridge is a 10-lane dual-carriageway freeway bridge, carrying five lanes of motor vehicle traffic in each direction. The freeway corridor (including the bridge itself) carries a very high volume and occupancy of traffic; a total of between 180,000 and 200,000 cars, trucks, and motorcycles use it per day, according to VicRoads. This makes the West Gate Bridge and West Gate Freeway one of the busiest road corridors in Australia.

As it is the only main direct link between Melbourne's CBD and the west, it is frequently congested during the morning and afternoon peaks and is constantly busy due to the number of vehicles coming in and out of the Port of Melbourne. The bridge was originally tolled but John Cain's government made a promise at the 1985 election to discontinue tolls; this came into effect in November of that year.Paul Robinson 'Bans could close West Gate Bridge, say unions' Melbourne Age 8 March 1985 p. 16; 'West Gate Bridge toll lifted', Melbourne Age 30 November 1985 p. 4

The bridge is windswept as there are no significant obstructing terrain features for some distance, particularly in the quadrant from south to west, a common wind direction. This can lead to issues for motorbikes, trucks and other high-sided vehicles in higher wind speeds. Previously wind warning lights were present at the bridge approaches to control traffic (amber – bridge closed to motorbikes and high vehicles, red – closed to all traffic), but the former practice is to reduce the speed limit to {{convert|60|km/h}} or {{convert|40|km/h}} when the wind speed gets too high. This has since been replaced with a modern variable speed limit system as part of the 2008–11 upgrade.

Cyclists are prohibited from using the bridge except for special bicycle events, notably the Melbourne Summer Cycle, a fundraising event for multiple sclerosis, and the Around the Bay in a Day{{cite web |url=https://www.bicyclenetwork.com.au/ |title=Bicycle Network – Making bike riding easier for everyone |website=Bicycle Network |access-date=7 May 2018 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180323152808/https://www.bicyclenetwork.com.au/ |archive-date=23 March 2018|date=10 April 2017 }} event that raises money for The Smith Family charity. The Westgate Punt is a foot ferry that runs directly below the bridge, taking cyclists and pedestrians across the Yarra between a jetty at Fishermans Bend near Westgate Park – Bay Trail and a jetty adjacent to Scienceworks Museum – Hobsons Bay Coastal Trail. It operates on demand, from Monday to Friday in morning and evening peaks, and on weekends and public holidays from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm.

The notion of a Lower Yarra River Crossing has formal origins as early as 1888, when Victoria’s Public Works Department first proposed a tunnel under the Yarra.'Hope for Finality on Yarra Crossing' Melbourne Age 15 April 1961 p. 9 The Metropolitan Town Planning Commission's Plan of General Development proposed a bridge for a road between Geelong Road ('west of Kororoit Creek') and Ingles St, Port Melbourne.Metropolitan Town Planning Commission, Plan of General Development, Government Printer, Melbourne 1929 p. 65 Road routes between central Melbourne and the west were, however, bridged further north, and the usual method of crossing at the lower Yarra was via skiffs until 1912, when ferries were first instituted, the Newport steam ferry operated by the City of Williamstown'Private Finance Must Build Tunnel' Melbourne Age 6 August 1958 p. 3 taking prominence between 1931 and 1974.

The Western Industries Association was formed in August 1957J. A. McIntosh 'Gateway to the West', Melbourne Age, 24 February 1970 p. 17 and claimed to be ‘representative of all industries in Altona, Footscray, Sunshine, Werribee and Williamstown districts’. Having formed a sub-committee to investigate a Yarra crossing, in 1958 it asked Victorian Premier Henry Bolte ‘to give urgent consideration to construction of a traffic tunnel under the Yarra.’ 'Yarra Traffic Tunnel Urged' Melbourne Age 22 July 1958 p. 3 The Association had been told by 'shipping interests' that a bridge would not be acceptable for the crossing.'Talks on Four-Lane Traffic Tunnel Under River Yarra' Melbourne Age 2 May 1959 p. 3 The tunnel, it was suggested, would carry 30{{nbsp}}000 cars a day; differing estimates on the capacity of the 'overtaxed' ferry suggested it could only handle between 1{{nbsp}}200‘Private firms may build Yarra crossing: Toll Project to Replace Ferry’ Melbourne Age 3 August 1960 p. 1 and 2{{nbsp}}000.Talks on Four-Lane Traffic Tunnel Under River Yarra Age 2 May 1959 p. 3 The Victorian Government's response to the proposal, delivered by Commissioner for Public Works Thomas Maltby, was that the government's finances were inadequate to undertake a crossing urgently and that any such project would require private investment.Talks on Four-Lane Traffic Tunnel Under River Yarra Age 2 May 1959 p. 3 In 1961 Lower Yarra Crossing Limited was formed, a non-profit company to develop the crossing.Lower Yarra Crossing Authority, Proposed Lower Yarra Bridge Melbourne Melbourne: The Authority, 1966 p. 1 In mid-1960 it was announced that the Association would raise the money to construct the bridge with government support keeping interest rates low; ‘Private firms may build Yarra crossing: Toll Project to Replace Ferry’ Melbourne Age 3 August 1960 p. 1 the arrangement was envisaged as not, in itself, profit-making.'Sponsors of Lower River Crossing Not Seeking Profit', Melbourne Age 10 August 1960 p. 1 In this year, the Western Industries Association applied to government for license to construct and operate a crossing on a toll basis.'River Tunnel Plans Ready in March' Melbourne Age 4 December 1961 p. 7

In 1961 the Association formed Lower Yarra Crossing Ltd.'Call for Early Move on New Yarra Bridge', Melbourne Age 15 January 1964 p. 10 Test drilling began late in that year by which point the Association once again became publicly open to the construction of a bridge, rather than a tunnel.'Drilling Tests for Yarra Crossing', Melbourne Age 30 November 1961 p. 6 Nevertheless Danish tunnel engineering firm Christiani and Nielson were engaged as consultants. 'River Tunnel Plans Ready in March' Melbourne Age 4 December 1961 p. 7 Chief amongst the concerns regarding a tunnel was the limitation on particular goods or cargoes - notably, flammable material - that could legally, or safely, be carried through a tunnel.'Yarra Crossing Bill' Melbourne Age 31 October 1964 p. 3

In the state government's analysis, the cost of building a bridge or a tunnel would be equal, however, notwithstanding the Harbour Trust's strong advocacy for a tunnel, it was felt by those in power that a bridge would more readily allow use by petrol tankers.'New bridge expected to take six years' Melbourne Age 20 October 1965 p. 3 In 1965, Yvonne A. Van Den Nouwelant writes, ‘the Lower Yarra Crossing Authority was granted a franchise by Act of Parliament and in 1968 construction started on the West Gate Bridge.’ Yvonne A. Van Den Nouwelant, Impact of the West Gate Bridge on Industrial Development and Activity in the Western Suburbs of Melbourne BA (Hons) Dept of Geography, University of Melbourne, 1979 p.16 It was noted by the press at the time that the location of the bridge's eastern approaches would require the removal of the Fishermen's Bend airstrip.'New bridge expected to take six years' Melbourne Age 20 October 1965 p. 3

File:Westgate Bridge ABC.ogv report on the collapse]]

Two years into construction of the bridge, at 11:50 am on 15 October 1970, the 112-metre (367-foot) span between piers 10 and 11 collapsed and fell 50 metres (164 feet) to the ground and water below. Thirty-five construction workers died and eighteen were injured, and it remains Australia's worst industrial accident.{{cite news |url=http://www.theage.com.au/victoria/forty-years-on-the-west-gate-bridge-collapse-still-looms-large-20101015-16nl0.html |title=Forty years on, the West Gate Bridge collapse still looms large |newspaper=The Age |date=16 October 2010 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170512022940/http://www.theage.com.au/victoria/forty-years-on-the-west-gate-bridge-collapse-still-looms-large-20101015-16nl0.html |archive-date=12 May 2017}} Many of those who died were on lunch break beneath the structure in workers' huts, which were crushed by the falling span. Others were working on and inside the span when it fell. The whole {{convert|2000|tonne|lb|adj=on}} mass plummeted into the Yarra River mud with an explosion of gas, dust and mangled metal that shook buildings hundreds of metres away. Nearby houses were spattered with flying mud. The roar of the impact, the explosion, and the fire that followed, could be clearly heard over {{convert|20|km|mi}} away. On the following morning, 16 October, the Premier of Victoria, Sir Henry Bolte, announced that a Royal Commission would be set up immediately to look into the cause of the disaster. Prime Minister John Gorton, said: "I am sure the whole of Australia is shocked and saddened by the serious accident at West Gate Bridge. Please extend my deepest sympathy to all those families to whom this tragic event has brought such grief."'West Gate', Bill Hitchings, 1979, Outback Press. {{ISBN|9780868882260}}

File:Westgate Bridge Collapsed Span.jpg

File:West-Gate-Bridge-Melbourne-2008.jpg

The Royal Commission concluded on 14 July 1971. It attributed the failure of the bridge to two causes: the structural design by designers Freeman Fox & Partners, and an unusual method of construction by World Services and Construction, the original contractors for the project.

On the day of the collapse, there was a difference in camber of {{convert|11.4|cm|in}} between two half-girders at the west end of the span which needed to be joined. It was proposed that the higher one be weighted down with 10 concrete blocks, each weighing {{convert|8|t|ST|abbr=on}}, which were located on-site. The weight of those blocks caused the span to buckle, which was a sign of structural failure. The longitudinal joining of the half-girders was partially complete when orders came through to remove the buckle. As the bolts were removed, the bridge snapped back and the span collapsed.

Six twisted fragments of the collapsed bridge can be found in the West Gate garden at the engineering faculty of Monash University, Clayton campus. The university acquired them after being asked to participate in the investigation of the collapse. It is said that they are to remind engineers of the consequences of their errors.{{cite web |title=West Gate garden |url=http://www.monash.edu/about/our-locations/clayton-campus/gardens-at-clayton/west-gate-garden |website=monash.edu |publisher=Monash University |access-date=28 July 2017 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170901060927/http://www.monash.edu/about/our-locations/clayton-campus/gardens-at-clayton/west-gate-garden |archive-date=1 September 2017}}

Commemorations have been held on 15 October every year since the collapse.{{cite web |title=Commemorations |url=http://www.westgatebridge.org/node/123 |website=westgatebridge.org |publisher=West Gate Bridge Memorial Committee |access-date=9 August 2015 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160107210144/http://www.westgatebridge.org/node/123 |archive-date=7 January 2016}} A West Gate Bridge Memorial Park is located near the bridge. It opened on 15 October 2004, the 34th anniversary of the collapse. It includes the West Gate Bridge Memorial and Sculpture, and the memorial for six who died in the Spotswood sewer tunnel collapse of 12 April 1895.{{cite web |title=Memorial park |url=http://www.westgatebridge.org/node/122 |website=West Gate Bridge |access-date=9 August 2015 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160107210144/http://www.westgatebridge.org/node/122 |archive-date=7 January 2016}}{{cite news |title=The Sewer Accident |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article9355387 |access-date=9 August 2015 |work=The Argus |location=Melbourne |date=25 April 1985 |number=((15,232)) |page=6 |via=Trove}}

Three other steel box girder bridges collapsed during their construction between 1969 and 1971:{{Cite web |last=Brady |first=Sean |date=1 November 2016 |title=West Gate Bridge collapse – the story of the box-girder bridge |url=https://www.engineersireland.ie/Brexit/west-gate-bridge-collapse-the-story-of-the-box-girder-bridge |access-date=18 July 2022 |website=Engineers Ireland - News & Insights}} the Fourth Danube Bridge in Vienna on 6 November 1969;{{Cite web |title=BridgeForum – Research – Bridge Collapse Database – Fourth Danube bridge (plate box girder bridge), Vienna |url=http://www.bridgeforum.org/dir/collapse/bridge/1969A1.html |access-date=2022-07-10 |website=bridgeforum.org|date=10 July 2022 }} Cleddau Bridge (Milford Haven), Wales on 2 June 1970;{{cite web | url=https://structurae.net/en/structures/cleddau-bridge | title=Cleddau Bridge (Milford Haven, 1975) }} and the South Bridge over the Rhine River in Koblenz on 10 November 1971.{{cite web | url=https://structurae.net/en/structures/rheinbrucke-koblenz-sud | title=Rheinbrücke Koblenz-Süd (Koblenz) }} The UK government responded by setting up the Merrison Committee of Inquiry, headed by Sir Alec Merrison. The Merrison Committee provided an interim report in May 1971, and a final report in February 1973 on new design and workmanship rules for steel box-girder bridges.{{Cite web |date=2020-10-07 |title=Learning from history: why the box-girder bridge failures matter today - The Institution of Structural Engineers |url=https://www.istructe.org/resources/blog/learning-from-history-box-girder-bridges/ |access-date=2022-12-05 |website=www.istructe.org |language=en-GB}}

Following the publication of the Report of the Royal Commission in August 1971, the Lower Yarra Crossing Authority, a non-profit company, formed its own Directorate of Engineering. In September 1971, Hans G. Wolfram, FIEAust and a Director of Gutteridge, Haskins & Davey, was appointed the Director of Engineering. He was responsible for the re-design, supervision of construction, and contract administration of West Gate Bridge until its completion. The Chairman of the Lower Yarra Crossing Authority was Oscar G. Meyer.{{cite book | chapter-url=https://adb.anu.edu.au/biography/meyer-sir-oscar-gwynne-14972 | title=Australian Dictionary of Biography | chapter=Meyer, Sir Oscar Gwynne (1910–1981) | publisher=National Centre of Biography, Australian National University }} The Deputy Chairman was Bernard J. Callinan, who was also Chairman of the Technical Committee. In 1971, the Authority was renamed as the West Gate Bridge Authority.

Intensive reviews of the structure focused attention on the inadequate strength of the original design of the bridge's deck. This consisted of a 100 mm reinforced concrete slab acting compositely with a steel deck plate stiffened by bulb flats. Numerous proposals were examined and Wolfram recommended replacing the original steel and concrete deck by a lighter and stronger orthotropic steel deck{{Cite journal |last1=Wolfram |first1=H.G. |last2=Sweeney |first2=T.L. |last3=Ferris |first3=I.J. |date=September–October 1973 |title=A new orthotropic deck for West Gate Bridge, Melbourne |journal=Aust. Welding Journal |pages=35–41}}{{Cite journal |last1=Wolfram |first1=H.G. |last2=Toakley |first2=A.R. |date=1974 |title=Design modifications to West Gate Bridge, Melbourne |journal=Civ. Eng. Trans., I.E. Aust. |volume=CE 16 |issue=2 |pages=143–150}} as technically and economically the most appropriate solution. This orthotropic deck is a steel plate stiffened longitudinally by closely spaced cellular troughs and laterally, at intervals, by cross beams. The proof engineer was Karlheinz Roik, a professor of steel construction at TU Berlin. He independently checked the re-design of the West Gate Bridge in accordance with the recommendations of the Royal Commission.{{Cite journal |last1=Wolfram |first1=H. G. |last2=Phillips |first2=J. T. |date=3-7 April 1978 |editor-last=Davie |editor-first=Robert S. (Bob) |title=Proof engineering for major structures |url=https://catalogue.nla.gov.au/Record/634234/Cite |journal=The Engineering Conference 1978: Engineers, Developing a Better World, Melbourne 3–7 April 1978 |publisher=Engineering Conference and Institution of Engineers, Australia |publication-place=Canberra |pages=149–154}} The re-design was also checked against the German code DIN 4114{{Cite book |title=German Standard for the Stability of Steel Structures, DIN 4114 |publisher=Deutsche Industrie Normenausschüsse |year=1952}} and the Appraisal Rules of the Merrison Committee's reports. The re-design was endorsed by four other university professors of civil engineering: F.B. Bull (Adelaide), N.W. Murray (Monash),{{cite web | url=https://www.vgls.vic.gov.au/client/en_AU/VGLS-public/search/detailnonmodal/ent:$002f$002fSD_ILS$002f0$002fSD_ILS:225576/one?qu=Murray%2C+N.+W.+%28Noel+W.%29%2C+author.&ps=300M | title=VGLS }} J.W. Roderick (Sydney) and L.K. Stevens (Melbourne).{{cite web | url=https://www.eoas.info/biogs/P006781b.htm | title=Stevens, Leonard Kelman (Len) - Person - Encyclopedia of Australian Science and Innovation }}

Construction resumed in 1972 with World Services and Construction continuing to fabricate the boxes and to carry out their sub-assembly, but with a joint venture between Redpath Dorman Long and John Holland (Constructions) completing the construction of the steel portion of the bridge.{{cite web|url=https://www.westgatebridge.org/node/109|title=Commencement of works|publisher=West Gate Bridge Memorial|access-date=4 January 2020}} Additional strengthening of the structure had to be designed for the erection because the stresses could exceed those of the in-service condition. The joint venture contractor engaged Flint and Neill of London for this and their design was proof-checked by the Directorate of Engineering.

Charles, Prince of Wales visited the West Gate Bridge project in October 1974 and met with members of the West Gate Bridge Authority and workers.{{Cite web |date=21 July 1974 |title=PM Transcripts, Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet |url=https://pmtranscripts.pmc.gov.au/sites/default/files/original/00003332.pdf |type=Press Statement No. 289}}{{Cite web |title=Reuters Archive Licensing |url=https://reuters.screenocean.com/record/940793 |access-date=2022-11-19 |website=Reuters Archive Licensing |language=en}}

After 10 years of construction, the bridge was completed in 1978 at a cost of $202 million.{{cite journal |title=The Melbourne City Link Project |url=https://linkinghub.elsevier.com/retrieve/pii/S0967070X02000203 |last1=Lay |first1=M.G. |last2=Daley |first2=K.F. |name-list-style=amp |journal=Transport Policy |volume=9 |issue=3 |date=July 2002 |doi=10.1016/S0967-070X(02)00020-3 |pages=261–267|url-access=subscription }}{{Cite journal |last1=Balfe |first1=P |last2=Jackson |first2=A. |last3=Melbourne |first3=W.H. |last4=Sewell |first4=A.P. |last5=Toakley |first5=A.R. |last6=Williams |first6=D.G. |last7=Wolfram |first7=H.G. |date=1986 |editor-last=Toakley |editor-first=A.R. |title=Redesign of West Gate Bridge |journal=Road Construction Authority, Victoria}}

Speed cameras were erected on the bridge in 2004, but were not activated until September 2005, because of issues with a similar camera on the Western Ring Road.{{cite news |title=Bridge cameras set to bring in millions |work=Herald Sun |location=Australia |author=Ashley Gardiner |date=21 September 2005}} However these speed cameras were switched off in 2005, and currently remain disabled, as the sway of the bridge prevents secondary verification of the alleged speed against a fixed point.{{cite news |title=Malfunctioning West Gate Bridge speed cameras turned off |work=Herald Sun |location=Australia |author=Matthew Shulz |date=22 May 2008}} In 2006 the State Government spent $1.3 million on erecting railway style boom barriers at each entrance to the bridge to block traffic in the event of a terrorist attack.{{cite news |url=http://www.news.com.au/story/0,23599,17859408-421,00.html |title=West Gate boom gates to fight terror |work=Herald Sun |location=Australia |author=Tanya Giles |date=18 January 2008 |access-date=25 September 2008}} {{dead link|date=September 2010|bot=H3llBot}} In March 2007, the State Government announced that two flagpoles would be erected atop the main bridge pylons, to fly the Australian and Victorian flags, each being {{convert|10|by|5|m|ft}} in size and {{convert|135|m|ft}} above sea level.{{cite web |url=http://www.legislation.vic.gov.au/domino/Web_Notes/newmedia.nsf/798c8b072d117a01ca256c8c0019bb01/48c90c838c3433f7ca25729d00746a2f!OpenDocument |title=FLAGS TO FLY ON THE WEST GATE BRIDGE |work=Media Release: OFFICE OF THE PREMIER |date=13 March 2007 |publisher=legislation.vic.gov.au |access-date=25 September 2008 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110402171511/http://www.legislation.vic.gov.au/domino/Web_Notes/newmedia.nsf/798c8b072d117a01ca256c8c0019bb01/48c90c838c3433f7ca25729d00746a2f!OpenDocument |archive-date=2 April 2011}} Costing $350,000 to install and $15,000 a year to maintain,{{cite news |url=http://www.theage.com.au/national/pride-in-the-flags-to-cost-350000-20080916-4hxg.html |title=Pride in the flags to cost $350,000 |work=The Age |date=17 September 2008 |access-date=25 September 2008 |location=Melbourne, Australia |first1=Clay |last1=Lucas |first2=Jason |last2=Dowling |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160210021250/http://www.theage.com.au/national/pride-in-the-flags-to-cost-350000-20080916-4hxg.html |archive-date=10 February 2016}} the flags were unfurled on 24 September 2008.{{cite news |url=http://www.news.com.au/heraldsun/story/0,21985,24398161-2862,00.html |title=West Gate Bridge shows flag colours |work=Herald Sun |location=Australia |author=Ashley Gardiner |date=25 September 2008 |access-date=25 September 2008 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080927222452/http://www.news.com.au/heraldsun/story/0%2C21985%2C24398161-2862%2C00.html |archive-date=27 September 2008}}

On 5 August 2007, it was reported that the Victorian Government was planning a $240 million project to identify and eliminate structural weaknesses in the bridge, with specific concerns including crash barriers, cracking, corrosion and potential buckling. News of the work was prompted by the collapse of the I-35W Mississippi River bridge in Minneapolis. Experts were reported as saying the West Gate was initially designed to carry loads of {{convert|25|t|lb}} but now carried B-double trucks weighing up to {{convert|68|t|lb}}. The bridge was built to carry 40,000 vehicles a day but volumes had grown to more than four times the original number, approximately 160,000 vehicles on an average day.{{cite news |url=http://www.theage.com.au/news/national/west-gate-to-get-240m-facelift/2007/08/04/1185648212911.html |title=$240m West Gate facelift to bridge safety fears |author=Paul Heinrichs |date=5 August 2007 |work=The Age |access-date=18 June 2009 |location=Melbourne, Australia |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071228095427/http://www.theage.com.au/news/national/west-gate-to-get-240m-facelift/2007/08/04/1185648212911.html |archive-date=28 December 2007}}

On 17 May 2006, the State Government as part of its Meeting Our Transport Challenges plan announced plans to change traffic flow in peak periods on the West Gate Bridge and approaches to it, using a reversible lane to provide five traffic lanes in the peak direction, opposing traffic having three lanes.{{cite report |title=Meeting Our Transport Challenges |author=State of Victoria |date=May 2006}} This was to be done using overhead signals and barriers; the State Government allocated funds to this project in its 2006–2007 state budget,{{citation needed|date=June 2009}} but the works were never carried out.

In 2008 the expansion plans were revised as part of the Victorian Transport Plan, when it was announced that the bridge would be widened to five lanes in each direction, the space being gained by narrowing the existing traffic lanes and closing the emergency lanes, in a move criticised by Victorian fire, police and ambulance unions. Overhead gantries would be used to direct traffic out of lanes when breakdowns and accidents occur. Costed at $240 million, each lane would be {{convert|3.1|m|ft}} wide; by comparison, lanes on the Sydney Harbour Bridge have a width of {{convert|2.8|m|ft}}. Roads Minister Tim Pallas claimed that the plan would allow the bridge to carry 50 per cent more vehicles, while reducing crashes by 20 per cent.{{cite news |url=http://www.abc.net.au/news/stories/2008/12/04/2437905.htm |title=No emergency on West Gate Bridge |publisher=ABC News |date=4 December 2008|location=Australia |access-date=18 June 2009 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081207020911/http://www.abc.net.au/news/stories/2008/12/04/2437905.htm |archive-date=7 December 2008|last1=Saggin |first1=Giulio }} Structural analysis work on the bridge concluded in early 2009, and was completed over a 14-month period. Works to strengthen the bridge commenced in the first half of 2009, with the entire strengthening project scheduled for completion in 2011.{{cite web |url=http://www.mcwupgrade.com.au/project-sections/west-gate-bridge.aspx |title=West Gate Bridge Strengthening |work=Monash-CityLink-West Gate upgrade |publisher=mcwupgrade.com.au |access-date=18 June 2009 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090531090905/http://www.mcwupgrade.com.au/project-sections/west-gate-bridge.aspx |archive-date=31 May 2009}}

On 22 June 2011, all five lanes were finally opened to the public in both directions, with the completion of the required strengthening works. The full cost was $347 million, $107 million more than VicRoads had originally planned, but included considerable additional scope of works. This cost increase was after the deletion of $20 million architectural lighting originally included in the scope of the works.{{cite web |url=http://www.theage.com.au/victoria/costs-head-north-as-another-lane-goes-west-20110622-1gfei.html |title=Costs head north as another lane goes west |author=Clay Lucas |date=23 June 2011 |work=The Age |location=Australia |access-date=27 June 2011 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110625115031/http://www.theage.com.au/victoria/costs-head-north-as-another-lane-goes-west-20110622-1gfei.html |archive-date=25 June 2011}} The engineers for the strengthening project, Flint & Neill and Sinclair Knight Merz, won the 2012 Institution of Structural Engineers Supreme Award for structural engineering for the project.{{cite web |url=http://www.istructe.org/events-awards/awards/structural-awards/winners-2012/winners-commendations/west-gate-bridge-strengthening |title=2012 IStructE Supreme Award Winners |author=IStructE |location=UK |access-date=12 December 2012 }}{{dead link|date=February 2018 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes}}

On 11 March 2014, a 10-metre (33 ft) high artist-designed flag was raised on the western side of the bridge as part of the "Melbourne Now" exhibition, On Top of the World: Flags for Melbourne.{{cite press release |title=Artists' flag raised on West Gate Bridge |url=http://www.ngv.vic.gov.au/media_release/artists-flag-raised-on-west-gate-bridge/ |website=ngv.vic.gov.au |access-date=9 August 2015 |publisher=National Gallery of Victoria |date=10 March 2014}} The flag was a collaborative design between four contributing artists (Brook Andrew, Helen Johnson, Kate Daw and Jon Campbell{{cite web|title=Stewart Russell | Spacecraft Studio & Stores Melbourne|url=http://www.spacecraftaustralia.com/about/stewart-russell/|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150430025526/http://www.spacecraftaustralia.com/about/stewart-russell/|archive-date=30 April 2015|access-date=2015-08-07}}) who shared an affinity with the bridge. The flag design is a reference to 1803 maritime communications by Rear Admiral Home Riggs Popham, the symbol on the flag meaning "I can spare what you asked for". The flag was flown until the end of the "Melbourne Now" show on 25 March 2014.http://www.ngv.vic.gov.au/melbournenow/projects/007 Melbourne Now {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140313001437/http://www.ngv.vic.gov.au/melbournenow/projects/007 |date=13 March 2014}} Since July 2022, the Aboriginal flag will formally fly over the bridge alongside the Australian flag permanently as announced. The cost was not disclosed, as with $25 million for the Sydney Harbour Bridge.{{cite web | url=https://www.sbs.com.au/news/article/aboriginal-flag-to-fly-permanently-on-melbournes-west-gate-bridge/mf30zrigl | title=Aboriginal flag to fly permanently on Melbourne's West Gate Bridge }}

File:West Gate Bridge Melbourne sunset.jpg in the foreground]]

File:Westgate Park saltwater lake turns pink in summer. March 2019.jpg

Strong growth in suburbs along the route, and increased freight through the Port of Melbourne, means that the corridor is experiencing traffic congestion during peak periods, is vulnerable to short-term interruptions, and is rapidly approaching capacity. Proposals to abate congestion by allowing more traffic have included bridge widening, a tunnel underneath the river, or adding a second deck to the bridge. Many such plans have come under fire from community groups such as the Public Transport Users Association and Environment Victoria, which advocate investment in alternative forms of transport.

A private sector report, made public in February 2006, suggested building a companion tunnel to the West Gate Bridge under the Yarra River, made up of three separate bores to carry traffic in either direction and a freight rail line. The portals would have been north of Williamstown Road in Port Melbourne, and between Blackshaws and Melbourne roads in Altona North.{{cite news |url=http://www.theage.com.au/news/national/2bn-tunnel-plan-for-west-gate-bridge/2006/02/06/1139074130972.html |title=$2bn tunnel plan for West Gate Bridge |date=6 February 2006 |author=Australian Associated Press |work=The Age |access-date=18 June 2009 |location=Melbourne, Australia |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060208034856/http://www.theage.com.au/news/national/2bn-tunnel-plan-for-west-gate-bridge/2006/02/06/1139074130972.html |archive-date=8 February 2006}}{{cite news |url=http://www.news.com.au/heraldsun/story/0,21985,23229688-2862,00.html |title=Traffic on Melbourne's West Gate Bridge slows under heavy load |work=Herald Sun |location=Australia |author1=John Ferguson |author2=Geraldine Mitchell |name-list-style=amp |date=18 February 2008 |publisher=News.com.au |access-date=18 June 2009 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080218055235/http://www.news.com.au/heraldsun/story/0,21985,23229688-2862,00.html |archive-date=18 February 2008}}

In 2018, work began on the West Gate Tunnel, which is designed to provide an alternative to the West Gate Bridge. Work is expected to finish in 2025.{{Cite web|last=Build|first=Victoria’s Big|date=2021-09-15|title=FAQs|url=https://bigbuild.vic.gov.au/projects/west-gate-tunnel-project/about/faqs|access-date=2021-10-25|website=Victoria’s Big Build|language=en}}

The State Government also assessed options for the development of another east–west link in 2008. Sir Rod Eddington, Chairman of the Victorian Major Events Company and former CEO of British Airways, was to head the assessment of the future east–west connections and recommend the best way forward for public transport, road and freight travel for the entire Monash-West Gate corridor. In December 2008, the State Government announced it was planning for such a link, anticipated to be a three-kilometre road tunnel under Footscray and the Maribyrnong River. Linking Dynon and Footscray Roads in the Port of Melbourne precinct to Geelong Road in West Footscray, now known as the East-West Link, its cost is estimated to be up to $10 billion.{{cite web |url=http://www4.transport.vic.gov.au/vtp/projects/westgatealternative.html |title=West Gate Bridge Alternative |work=Victorian Transport Plan |date=December 2008 |publisher=www4.transport.vic.gov.au |access-date=18 June 2009 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090605095032/http://www4.transport.vic.gov.au/vtp/projects/westgatealternative.html |archive-date=5 June 2009}}

Owing to its height, the bridge became a popular location for suicides, with police data in the early 2000s showing up to one suicide occurring every three weeks at the West Gate Bridge. A 2004 coroner's report recommended anti-suicide fencing or barriers be erected on the bridge to deter people from attempting to end their lives.{{cite news |url=http://www.news.com.au/heraldsun/story/0,21985,23860759-2862,00.html |title=Anti-suicide barrier urged for West Gate Bridge |work=Herald Sun |location=Australia |author1=Mark Dunn |author2=Anthony Dowsley |name-list-style=amp |date=14 June 2008 |publisher=News.com.au |access-date=18 June 2009 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090304023627/http://www.news.com.au/heraldsun/story/0,21985,23860759-2862,00.html |archive-date=4 March 2009}}

Those who argued for a suicide barrier claimed that most of those who jump from the West Gate Bridge do so through impulse, and that police officers who tried to save jumpers were putting their own lives in danger. There were reported incidents of police officers dangling off the side of the bridge while holding onto would-be jumpers.{{cite news |url=http://www.news.com.au/heraldsun/story/0,21985,20725602-2862,00.html |title=Police risk lives on death bridge |work=Herald Sun |location=Australia |author=Mark Dunn |date=9 November 2006 |publisher=News.com.au |access-date=18 June 2009}} A 2000 Royal Melbourne Hospital study on people who jumped from the bridge found at least 62 cases between 1991 and 1998. Seven people survived the {{convert|58|m|ft|adj=on}} fall. Around 74 per cent of those who jumped from the bridge were male, with an average age of 33. More than 70 per cent were suffering from mental illness.{{cite web |url=http://www.starnewsgroup.com.au/story/59793 |title=Fence on bridge |work=Star News Group |publisher=starnewsgroup.com.au |author=Karen Poh |date=10 June 2008 |access-date=18 June 2009 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080803115337/http://www.starnewsgroup.com.au/story/59793 |archive-date=3 August 2008}} Of those who jumped off the West Gate Bridge, 31 per cent fell onto land. Some of those who landed in water drowned afterwards.{{cite journal |title=Jumping from the Westgate Bridge, Melbourne |journal=The Medical Journal of Australia |vauthors=Coman M, Meyer AD, Cameron PA |year=2000 |publisher=ncbi.nlm.nih.gov |pmid=10738475 |volume=172 |issue=2 |pages=67–9|doi=10.5694/j.1326-5377.2000.tb139202.x |s2cid=24946258 }}

In June 2008, Gabriela Garcia jumped off the West Gate Bridge with her 22-month-old son Oliver, and their bodies were found on the river bank below.{{cite news|author1=Mark Dunn|author2=Antonia Magee|date=5 June 2008|title=Mum and baby dead in 'gut-wrenching' tragedy|work=Herald Sun|publisher=News.com.au|location=Australia|url=http://www.news.com.au/story/0,23599,23813286-421,00.html|url-status=dead|access-date=18 June 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080607005430/http://www.news.com.au/story/0%2C23599%2C23813286-421%2C00.html|archive-date=7 June 2008|name-list-style=amp}}

Seven months later on 29 January 2009, a 4-year-old girl, Darcey Freeman, was thrown off the bridge by her father, Arthur Freeman. She survived the fall but later died in hospital. Freeman was found guilty of murder and sentenced to life in prison in April 2011;{{cite news |url=http://www.theage.com.au/victoria/sentenced-to-life-bridge-killer-lets-fly-with-bizarre-courtroom-rant-20110410-1d9dh.html |title=West Gate father sentenced to life in prison |work=The Age |location=Australia |author=Thomas Hunter |date=11 April 2011 |publisher=theage.com.au |access-date=7 June 2012 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110910162236/http://www.theage.com.au/victoria/sentenced-to-life-bridge-killer-lets-fly-with-bizarre-courtroom-rant-20110410-1d9dh.html |archive-date=10 September 2011}} the apparent trigger for the incident was his recent separation and apparent fear of loss of access to the children (similar to the 2005 Robert Farquarson case).

A week after that incident, on 5 February 2009, 17-year-old Allem Halkic jumped from the inbound lanes near the Todd Road exit on the Port Melbourne side of the bridge. On walking up the bridge he was reported to have said to the VicRoads operator via the emergency phone, "You better get someone here before I jump". Police responded within minutes of this, but were too late to save Halkic and found his body in the Westgate Park below. The case was significant as Halkic was a victim of cyberbullying in the days prior to this, and reportedly became the first death resulting from cyberbullying in Victoria. In October 2011 a coronial inquest was held into the death, again recommending (among other things) the installation of anti-suicide barriers on the bridge.{{cite web |url=https://www.coronerscourt.vic.gov.au/sites/default/files/2018-12/allemhalkic_065509.pdf |accessdate=23 September 2021 |title=Inquest into the Death of ALLEM HALKIC | date=27 June 2012 | website=coronerscourt.vic.gov.au}}https://www.heraldsun.com.au/news/special-features/web-of-threats-ended-in-allem-halkics-death/news-story/7adb407178523bf30937b7602cbdb8fc?sv=9da8f1546204ee93797fd7b31b8601 {{dead link|date=October 2021}}

Following these incidents, a temporary suicide barrier of concrete crash barriers topped with a welded mesh fence was erected from February 2009. A permanent metal mesh barrier was subsequently installed along the length of the bridge in 2010–11 at a cost of $20 million.{{cite news |url=http://www.theage.com.au/national/unions-criticise-move-to-close-west-gate-lanes-20081204-6rpm.html |title=Police, ambulance unions criticise move to close West Gate emergency lanes |author=Clay Lucas |date=5 December 2008 |work=The Age |access-date=18 June 2009 |location=Melbourne, Australia |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081207000014/http://www.theage.com.au/national/unions-criticise-move-to-close-west-gate-lanes-20081204-6rpm.html |archive-date=7 December 2008}} The barrier is reported to have reduced suicides from the bridge by 85 per cent.{{Cite news|date=2011-04-14|title=West Gate barriers 'reducing suicides'|url=https://www.heraldsun.com.au/news/west-gate-suicide-barriers-reduce-number-of-deaths-at-bridge/news-story/f67eb6869673c1ad38f5f707b81f49cd|access-date=2020-10-21|newspaper=Herald Sun|language=en|last1=Mickelburough|first1=Peter}}

{{Commons}}

• List of disasters in Australia by death toll
• List of bridge disasters
• Erskine Bridge
• Tasman Bridge
• Suicide bridge

{{reflist}}

• [http://www.westgatebridge.org/ West Gate Bridge Memorial]
• [https://public-record-office-victoria.culturalspot.org/exhibit/disaster-at-west-gate-the-1970-bridge-collapse/xQIyFBWD4rLiIA Public Record Office of Victoria's special site on the Westgate Bridge collapse]
• {{cite web |url=http://prov.vic.gov.au/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/VPARL1971-72No21.pdf |title=Report of the Royal Commission into the Failure of West Gate Bridge |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160527230533/http://prov.vic.gov.au/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/VPARL1971-72No21.pdf |archive-date=27 May 2016}} {{small|(3Mb)}} 1971
• [https://web.archive.org/web/20090220195311/http://worksafe.vic.gov.au/wps/wcm/connect/WorkSafe/Home/Safety+and+Prevention/Your+Industry/Construction Worksafe Victoria]
• {{Structurae|id=20002441|title=West Gate Bridge}}

{{Yarra River Crossings}}

{{Melbourne landmarks}}

{{IStructE Supreme Award laureates}}

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