Traffic chaos as vehicle smashes through tunnel boom gates

A major arterial road in Melbourne was closed to vehicles earlier today after a truck drove through boom gates, causing congestion and long lines of traffic.

Victorian road authorities report an oversized truck ignored multiple warnings and smashed through boom gates – the last line of defence in stopping vehicles – at the entrance to the Burnley Tunnel.

It's understood the Burnley Tunnel has since reopened, though traffic is banked for kilometres and is affecting motorists heading east – towards the city – from the West Gate Freeway.

According to multiple reports, an oversized truck was approaching the tunnel, triggering automatic warning systems advising the vehicle to exit.

However, the driver is believed to have ignored the warnings – including signs and flashing lights – causing the boom gates to close at the tunnel's entrance as a last-ditch attempt to stop potentially catastrophic damage to both the truck and the tunnel itself.

VicTraffic says the truck continued and drove through the boom gates before coming to a stop.

Citylink, which manages both Burnley and Domain tunnels, has strict rules about what vehicles are allowed to use the underground roadways – including restrictions on 'placarded' loads (such as fuel tankers) and oversized trucks.

In 2007, a major accident killed three motorists and injured two after cars attempted to drive around a stationary truck, causing multiple collisions and a large fire.