description Westgate Bridge Overview
The West Gate Bridge is a large steel box girder and cable-stayed bridge spanning the Yarra River in Melbourne, Australia. The bridge features five traffic lanes in each direction, serving as a vital road link connecting the central business district with the city's western suburbs. A tragic collapse during its construction on October 15, 1970, resulted in the deaths of 35 workers, prompting major changes to industrial safety regulations. The completed bridge was officially opened to traffic in 1978.
help Westgate Bridge FAQ
How long is the West Gate Bridge, and how many lanes does it have?
The West Gate Bridge spans about 2.5 kilometers across Melbourne's Yarra River. It carries five traffic lanes in each direction and opened to traffic in 1978. [Victorian Government](https://www.vic.gov.au/west-gate-bridge)
What happened during the West Gate Bridge disaster?
On October 15, 1970, a 112-meter section collapsed during construction. Thirty-five workers died and 18 were injured, leading to a Royal Commission that identified serious design flaws.
Is the West Gate Bridge a suspension bridge?
No. It is a major steel box-girder bridge with a cable-stayed main structure, rather than a conventional suspension bridge with a main cable draped over towers.
What does the West Gate Bridge connect in Melbourne?
The bridge links Melbourne's central and western areas across the Yarra River. It is a major road route between the central business district, the western suburbs, and industrial areas near the Port of Melbourne.
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