The West Gate Bridge

The mighty West Gate Bridge, spanning 2.5 kms, connects Melbourne’s western suburbs to its CBD. It is one of Australia's biggest cable-stayed girder bridges and is used by 160,000 vehicles daily. With its distinctive curving shape, the West Gate is instantly recognisable and one of the city’s iconic structures.

But it also stands as a monument to Australia’s worst industrial accident.

On October 15 1970, a section of the bridge collapsed during construction, sending 35 workers to their death. This website is dedicated to those workers and their brave comrades and the rescue crews who toiled tirelessly in horrific circumstances on that terrible day to assist and recover them.

Recent News

2011 West Gate Tragedy Commemoration

Saturday October 15 2011

Gather at the memorial plaque under the bridge, Hyde St Spotswood from 11.00 am for  speeches and laying of wreaths. 

A minute's silence observed at 11.50am, the exact time on October 15 1970 when span 10-11 collapsed sending 35 men to their death.

Unveiling of memorial for Joe Owens

Union members on the West Gate Bridge strengthening project, which has been underway for the last three years, have organised a memorial for Joe Owens, the last worker killed during the building of the bridge.

Joe, a rigger who hailed from Roscommon in Ireland, died on December 7, 1972.

The memorial plaque for Joe Owens will be mounted on a bluestone bench, donated by CFMEU members at Bam Stone, Port Fairy. 

Read Paddy Donnelly's Tribute to his mate Joe Owens..

Close up of plaque on memorial benchPhoto of bluestone memorial bench