It’s been a congested few months for the Sunbury community, who might have breathed a collective sigh of relief when Gap Road bridge underpass opened on Friday morning.
Streaming live on Facebook, Sunbury MP Josh Bull was the first to drive under the bridge in the passenger seat of a vintage car, the audio crowded by the loud horns and sirens of following vehicles, beeping in celebration.
The opened road is set to reduce congestion for the 19,000 vehicles which use it every day.
“Getting rid of the dangerous and congested Gap Road level crossing is just the start of upgrades across Sunbury, with more than $2 billion being invested in better transport – bringing huge benefits for residents and businesses,” Mr Bull said.
“The new Gap Road underpass and rail bridge is a fantastic result for Sunbury, and I’d like to thank everyone in the community for their patience while we completed this critical project – reconnecting our wonderful town.”
Residents left comments on the live video, ranging from “great work”, to “how fabulously exciting”, to “I am so happy”.
The early opening was announced at a community day on September 18, where residents were given a chance to walk on the new road and see the stunning bridge art by Sunbury First Nations Yorta Yorta, Gunaikurnai and Gunditjmara artist Teena Moffatt.
Since the Gap Road level crossing boom gates were removed in June, crews have removed 25,000 cubic metres of soil to build the bridge and underpass.
