The Government of Victoria in Australia has announced the commencement of works on the West Gate Tunnel.

Scheduled to open in 2022, the tunnel will serve as an alternative to the West Gate Bridge in Melbourne.

Workers have recently started clearing a site on Whitehall Street in Footscray, where a pit deeper than seven storeys will be dug clearing the way for the project’s two massive tunnel boring machines (TBMs).

Scheduled to be launched next year, the TBMs will tunnel 9m daily towards the West Gate Freeway.

They will also install a concrete lining behind as they move forward forming the walls, roof and base of the tunnel.

“We’re getting on with this vital project to take the pressure off the West Gate Bridge and create 6,000 new jobs for Victorians.”

Subsequently, the construction crew will work to build the road surface on the tunnel and install electrics, ventilation and safety systems.

Later this year, an additional work site will be formed on the other side of the Somerville Road, while the two sites will be connected by an elevated heavy-duty, covered conveyor belt.

The belt will be used to transport rock and debris procured during excavation to large sheds from where it will be loaded onto trucks to be transported away from the site.

The two sites are expected to employ more than 500 workers.

Victoria Premier Daniel Andrews said: “It’s all systems go for the West Gate Tunnel – construction is underway.

“We’re getting on with this vital project to take the pressure off the West Gate Bridge and create 6,000 new jobs for Victorians.”