Before it opens to traffic in December, inner west locals will have the chance to explore the new West Gate Tunnel on foot.
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 under the Yarra River.
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 celebration event at Yarraville Gardens on the day, 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.
Inner west residents will be given the first chance to register before tickets are released to the public on Friday, 24 October.
The proceeds from the discovery run registrations will go towards 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.
Footscray MP Katie Hall encouraged her constituents to register to attend.
“Discovery Day is our way of sharing this city shaping project with the community before the tunnels open,” Ms Hall said.
Free shuttle buses will run regularly between Footscray train station and Yarraville Gardens on the day.
Register early at: westgatetunnelproject.vic.gov.au/discoveryday.
