Transurban launch competition to be first driver on new WestConnex tunnels, between St Peters, Haberfield

A competition to be the first general public driver down the unopened WestConnex tunnels has opened, aimed to give one lucky driver an exclusive cruise down the subterranean highway.

A competition has been launched offering the chance to be the very first driver down the new WestConnex tunnels, linking the M4 and M8 motorways, with the unique opportunity to get an exclusive glimpse and cruise down the subterranean mega highway.

The 7.5km tunnels, which will open to drivers early next year, will link the M4 and M8 motorways at St Peters and Haberfield, creating a 33km traffic-light-free orbital designed to slash travel times by taking drivers underground and off clogged thoroughfares.

The link will be future-proofed with world class traffic management systems, designed to talk to the next phase of electric, connected and automated vehicles, as well as slashing peak drive times from Parramatta to the airport by up to 40 minutes.

Now, one driver – accompanied by family or friends – will be given the chance to be the first general public car to drive through the state of the art tunnels.

Alisa Hitchcock, a spokeswoman for Transurban, the company behind the project, said she expected there to be huge interest from drivers to get the first cruise along Australia’s largest road project.

Exclusive new vision of the unopened M4-M8 link, between St Peters and Haberfield, of the WestConnex project. Picture: Supplied

The M4-M8 tunnel link, underneath Camperdown. Picture: Darren Daly

“We want you (and your car) to help us open the next stage of WestConnex,” she said.

“After we cut the ribbon early next year, your car could be the very first customer vehicle to drive through Australia’s newest road tunnel.

(L-R) Transurban workers Angela Walker and Emma Clark in the unopened M4-M8 link tunnels. Picture: Supplied

“Even better, you can take your family or friends with you for this historic moment.”

Ms Hitchcock encouraged drivers to get familiar with the tunnelling and new road prior to its opening in early 2023.

“This competition is open to Linkt consumer customers only, who can enter on the new WestConnex online portal, a fully immersive website which makes it easy to explore the ways this crucial link will help connect communities across Sydney,” she said.

Transurban WestConnex group executive Andrew Head said the final trimmings were being put in place on the tunnels.

Map of the WestConnex tunnel project. Picture: Supplied

“The tunnels are starting to look and feel like a finished motorway, with line-marking underway, signs being installed, and testing and commissioning happening every day to get it safe and ready,” he said.

“This world class infrastructure will transform the way people move around Sydney, including a direct, traffic-light free trip between Parramatta and Mascot for the first time.”

Entries to be the first driver down the tunnels close on January 3 and residents can apply online.

On Sunday, the company will welcome residents down to the tunnels via guided bus tours, on a community day, which can also be booked online.