Wednesday, 7 August 2024
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 new 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’, and 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.
As part of the bridge naming competition, nearly 250 submissions were received from the public, with 10 winners collectively nominating the selected bridge names.
Both new 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.
The West Gate Tunnel Project is taking shape and on track for completion by the end of 2025.
The project will transform travel in the area. It will deliver a vital alternative to the West Gate Bridge, providing a much-needed second river crossing, cutting congestion and taking 9,000 trucks a day off local roads.
It will also create 14km of new and upgraded walking and cycling paths, and close to nine hectares of new parks and wetlands.
Quote attributable to Member for Williamstown, Melissa Horne MP
“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.”
Ends.
Media contact: melissa.horne@parliament.vic.gov.au
