The West Gate Tunnel project is set to make it easier and safer for pedestrians and cyclists to get around Melbourne, with over 14km of new and upgraded cycling and walking paths – including a new 2.5km veloway above Footscray Road.
Cyclists and pedestrians will be separated from cars and trucks for the entire journey from Werribee to the CBD.
By building the West Gate Tunnel, the Victorian Government will complete the Federation Trail and the missing links in the Kororoit Creek Trail, boosting safety for cyclists and pedestrians.
A new path along Hyde Street and a new bridge over Whitehall Street next to Yarraville Gardens will take cyclists and pedestrians away from the dangerous intersection of Somerville Road and Whitehall Street.
In addition, a new bridge over Footscray Road near Costco will make crossings safer at one of the busiest intersections for cyclists in Melbourne.
Footscray cyclists will also enjoy a seamless connection to the new path from Shepherd Bridge, with the choice of the existing bike path along the Port of Melbourne, or the new state-of-art veloway, getting you into the city quickly and safely.
The existing path on Dynon Road will also be upgraded to give cyclists and walkers a new bridge over Moonee Ponds Creek along with a new connection to North Melbourne.
Spotswood and Yarraville will be better connected with a new pedestrian and cycling path from Hyde Street Reserve to Spotswood Station.
Along with 24/7 truck bans and nearly four MCGs of open space, the West Gate Tunnel Project responds to community feedback and gives the western suburbs the first-class freeway they deserve.
The project will create 6,000 jobs and give Victorians a long overdue alternative to the West Gate Bridge.
The project will now be assessed through an Environment Effects Statement (EES), which will be publicly exhibited mid-year before final contractual close at the end of 2017, with construction to begin in early 2018.
Minister for Roads Luke Donnellan said, “The West Gate Tunnel Project will take thousands of trucks off local streets and make cycling easier and safer for people to get around.
“The local community told us that they wanted to fix the gaps in the cycling network and that’s what we’re doing.”
Member for Williamstown Wade Noonan said, “The number of cyclists is booming in the inner west and we’re giving them the infrastructure they need for continuous, safe and quick journeys into the city.”
Member for Footscray Marsha Thomson said, “We’re completing the Federation Trail and ensuring local residents have safe and reliable cycling connections.”
