By Cimara Pearce
COMMUNITY members will have the opportunity to tour the Deer Park Bypass before it is officially opened for traffic use this weekend.
The much-anticipated bypass will be operational from late Sunday afternoon following a family fun day from 10.30am until 2pm.
The family day will give the community a chance to get a sneak preview of the bypass before it opens to traffic but will also raise money for the Victorian Bushfire Appeal.
VicRoads, along with Star News Group and several other community organisations, have banded together to bring Brimbank and Melton Shire residents the family day, which will offer free bus tours along the full length of the bypass from Caroline Springs to the Western Ring Road.
Project director Trevor Boyd invited families along to join in the fun.
“Activities will include music from the Sunshine Brass Band, a little athletics fun run, sausage sizzle, and face painting,” Mr Boyd said.
“There will be displays from the CFA, Police and emergency services, and kids can see some of the massive construction trucks, graders and equipment used to build the new freeway,” Mr Boyd said.
Roads Minister Tim Pallas announced the opening of the bypass earlier this month, eight months ahead of schedule.
The $331 million project is expected to relieve pressure on the Western Highway and will be used by local and interstate traffic.
An official ceremony to mark the completion of the bypass will be held at around 11.30am on Sunday.
All activities will take place on the freeway near Christies Rd at Ravenhall, with access and parking from the Christies Rd on ramp.
Entry is by gold coin donation.
For information on the fun day or the bypass call VicRoads on 9394 3700 or go to: www.vicroads.vic. gov.au/deerparkbypass
