The Allan Labor Government is giving Victorians a once-in-a-generation opportunity to explore the West Gate Tunnel before it opens to traffic, as the project prepares to open in December.
Minister for Transport Infrastructure Gabrielle Williams today announced the West Gate Tunnel Discovery Day will take place on Sunday, 16 November - giving tens of thousands of community members the chance to run or walk through the new tunnels and connecting roads before it opens.
Locals will be able to register for either an eight kilometre discovery run or a 2.5 kilometre discovery walk through parts of the tunnel - offering a chance to see the new alternative to the West Gate Bridge up-close for the very first time.
There will also be a family-friendly celebration at Yarraville Gardens for the community to attend, featuring entertainment, food vendors, a kid's zone and the West Gate Tunnel driver simulator.
Tickets for the discovery walk and discovery run will be limited, with more than 50,000 people expected to attend the event. Locals will be given the first chance to register before tickets are released to the public on Friday, 24 October.
Every registration for the discovery run directly supports two local charities - Community Bike Hub, which provides bike access and education across Melbourne's west, and West Welcome Wagon, which supports asylum seekers and refugees rebuilding their lives in Australia.
Free shuttle buses will run regularly between Footscray train station and Yarraville Gardens on the day.
The West Gate Tunnel Project will deliver a much-needed alternative to the West Gate Bridge - cutting congestion, improving safety and taking 9,000 trucks a day off local roads across Melbourne's inner west.
To attend the West Gate Tunnel Discovery Day, people are encouraged to register early at westgatetunnelproject.vic.gov.au/discoveryday.
As stated by Minister for Transport Infrastructure Gabrielle Williams
"The West Gate Tunnel is getting ready to open - and this is your chance to be the first to explore these new connections across Melbourne's west."
As stated by Member for Footscray Katie Hall
"Discovery Day is our way of sharing this city shaping project with the community before the tunnels open."
As stated by Transurban Group Executive Delivery and Risk Nicole Stoddart
"We know people are very curious, so Discovery Day is your opportunity to come for an early look and see this amazing, state-of-the-art road tunnel up close."
