Thousands walk through West Gate Tunnel for first time despite union safety fears

Thousands have walked through the West Gate Tunnel, despite safety warnings from firefighters, as the heavily delayed project inches closer to completion.

Geoff Shepherd has walked through the Sydney Harbour Tunnel, the Harbour Bridge and the Blackwattle Bay Bridge.

On Sunday, he added the West Gate Tunnel to his list, joining thousands who got their first glimpse inside the heavily delayed project.

Mr Shepherd’s daughter Olivia joked that her husband John, a tradie on the job, was the “longest running worker on the project.”

Tradie John Fenlon proudly showed off his hard work as he took his family through the highly anticipated tunnel. Picture: David Crosling

The tunnel quickly filled with walkers and runners eager to take part in the community open day. Funds raised from the 8km fun run and 2.5km walk supported local charities, Community Bike Hub and West Welcome Wagon.

One engineer carried his young daughter on his shoulders through the tunnel, telling the Herald Sun he was “excited” to be able to show his daughter where he had spent years working.

Sarah Carter said couldn’t wait for the tunnel to open. Picture: David Crosling

The government said the tunnel would take 9000 trucks off local roads each day, diverting them from streets in the inner-west.

The toll road has been plagued by delays and budget blowouts, and despite its initial anticipated cost of $5.5bn, the final bill is forecast to come in at about $12bn.

Originally slated to open in 2022, the tunnel is now about three years late, with a dispute over the disposal of contaminated soil causing significant issues.

The project has also faced opposition from local community groups over concerns the tunnel’s ventilation stacks will spew toxic exhaust fumes into neighbouring homes.

The open day went ahead despite safety concerns from the United Firefighter’s Union. Picture: David Crosling

The United Firefighters Union was highly visible at Sunday’s event after calling for the open day to be cancelled over safety concerns.

The Union labelled the event “irresponsible” as key safety tests were incomplete and firefighters still did not know if their radios would work underground.

Transport Infrastructure Minister Gabrielle Williams rejected the warnings, saying the tunnel was safe and emergency plans had been prepared with Fire Rescue Victoria.

“We simply would not be holding an event like this if it wasn’t safe,” she said.

Thousands walked through the highly anticipated tunnel before it officially opens to traffic. Picture: David Crosling

Major Road Projects Victoria CEO Duncan Elliot confirmed there were two stages of testing focused on safely evacuating people from vehicles that needed to be completed.

“All the systems are working now, absolutely. The fire deluge systems are in place,” he said.

While the exact opening date has not been confirmed, officials expect the tunnel to open to traffic before the end of the year.

Originally published as Thousands walk through West Gate Tunnel for first time despite union safety fears