Melbourne’s west is being reshaped, not just by new roads, but by new places for people to walk, ride and spend time together.
As part of the West Gate Tunnel Project, nearly nine hectares of previously industrial or underused land has been transformed into parks, wetlands and active recreation spaces.
These new areas are already becoming part of everyday life for local communities.
One standout addition is the new BMX park in West Melbourne, located beneath CityLink off Footscray Road. Designed for riders of all ages and skill levels, the park features a mix of jumps, pump tracks and riding surfaces – and is seamlessly connected to the broader cycling network via the Moonee Ponds Creek Trail and the new Dixon Veloway.
It’s these connections that are making the biggest difference.
“It’s incredibly rewarding to see these new spaces embraced by the community,” said Anup Jois, Transurban’s General Manager Victoria. “The surge in cyclists using the new Dixon Veloway and connecting trails shows the real demand for safe and efficient active transport links. We’re proud to be delivering assets that not only improve journeys but also encourage healthier lifestyles and bring people together.”
That was on full display during March’s Super Tuesday commuter bike count by Bicycle Network Victoria, where hundreds of riders turned out. The Dixon Veloway a 2.1-kilometre elevated cycling path above Footscray Road saw 600 riders between 7am and 9am, compared to just 32 using the former ground-level route.
Further along the network, new links are also proving their value. The connection from the Moonee Ponds Creek Trail over the rail corridor to North Melbourne Station is already helping riders navigate sections of the trail, while the upgraded path near Yarraville Gardens recorded 248 riders on the day.
These new paths and connections are giving locals more choice in how they move. Whether it’s commuting to work, getting active on the weekend, or simply enjoying new green spaces close to home.
