It was a close-run thing, but right on the brink of the summer holiday break, the final section of new bike infrastructure in the West Gate Tunnel Project opened.
Now, a month later, masses of bike riders from across Melbourne have travelled to the west to soak in the experience of these amazing facilities.
The last remaining stretch of trail to open is along the Maribyrnong River in Footscray, through the wetlands at the tunnel entry/exit zone, across the new bridge over Whitehall Street and along the Yarraville Gardens to Hyde Street.
Riders experience a totally traffic-free trip through this precinct, grade separated from truck traffic, with new views across the port and city.
With the link completed, the Federation Trail from Werribee is now one continuous bike route from Werribee right into the Melbourne city centre, with this new section connecting to the Veloway at Shepherd Bridge.
The West Gate Tunnel Project delivered 14 kilometres of new and upgraded active transport facilities, including multiple bridges and ramp structures, from West Melbourne out as far as Brooklyn, including a superb new trail link along the Kororoit Creek.
There is still some finishing off work to be completed here and there, including smoothing the rough expansion joints on the Veloway.
Or become our friend and subscribe to receive our fortnightly newsletter.