If you’re living in the west of Melbourne, chances are you’ve been affected by the West Gate Tunnel Project. This massive project is building twin tunnels under Yarraville, offering an alternative to taking the West Gate Bridge. The tunnels will take drivers underground between the West Gate Freeway and the Maribyrnong River, and on to an elevated road above Footscray Road. The project is also widening the West Gate Freeway from eight lanes to twelve, and offering improved access to the the port, CityLink and the city. The tunnel and the new lanes are expected to open in late 2025, and when it does, it will improve congestion and take 9,000 trucks off local roads. And with the opening soon in sight, the Victorian Government is now asking for suggestions about what exactly we should name the West Gate tunnel. Submissions are open until Monday March 31.
Naming the West Gate Tunnel
Have you got a good idea about what we should call the twin tunnels? You can hop online and submit your suggestion.
“This is a great opportunity for people to make their mark on this city-shaping project, which will change the way people move for decades to come,” said Minister for Transport Infrastructure Gabrielle Williams.
In need of inspiration? Names could be inspired by local landmarks, icons of the western suburbs, history or cultural connections.
And to avoid a similar situation to the hilarious Boaty McBoatface, there are some guidelines to follow, such as avoiding the names of living people or putting in directions like north in the name.
All submissions will be reviewed by a selection committee, and the final names will be revealed later this year.
Every Victorian who suggests a valid entry will go into the draw to win a $500 Shell Coles Express Voucher. Winners will also have the opportunity to donate $2,500 towards a community organisation or charity.
Keen to give it a go? See the guidelines here.