Two new pedestrian bridges on the West Gate Tunnel Project have been named in recognition of the Indigenous heritage of the Williamstown electorate.
Following a naming competition, the bridges at over the West Gate Freeway connecting South Kingsville and Yarraville, and Brooklyn and Altona North have been given traditional Aboriginal names.
The bridge between South Kingsville and Yarraville will be known as Woduyullul Parring Bridge meaning ‘many paths’,
The bridge between Brooklyn and Altona North will be known as Yalukit Willam Bridge in honour of the local Indigenous clan that lived in the area.
Nearly 250 submissions were received from the public, according to Williamstown MP Melissa Horne.
Ten winners collectively nominated the selected bridge names.
The bridges have replaced older bridges that had been in place since the 1970s. With improved lighting and ramps, each will be an important local landmark that will connect communities over the West Gate Freeway, Ms Horne said.
“Melbourne’s inner west has a proud and rich Indigenous heritage, so it’s fitting that these two bridges will recognise the area’s connection to its Traditional Owners for generations to come,” she said.
The West Gate Tunnel Project is expected to be completed by the end of 2025.
It will provide a vital alternative to the West Gate Bridge, providing a much-needed second river crossing, cutting congestion and taking 9000 trucks a day off local roads, according to the state government.
It will also create 14km of new and upgraded walking and cycling paths, and close to nine hectares of new parks and wetlands.
