A bridge that’s an essential part of a planned 16-kilometre, six-lane road connecting the Calder and Western freeways will be built by early 2018.
In its draft budget last week, Melton council allocated $2.4 million for a bridge over Kororoit Creek from Westwood Drive.
The Palmers Road Corridor Project, expected to be completed in 2046, will eventually connect the existing north-south road between Westwood Drive, near Commercial Road, Caroline Springs, to Westwood Drive just south of Kororoit Creek. Another bridge, of three lanes, will be built over the creek by VicRoads.
A state government hearing last November found the creek crossing would result in the “most significant environmental impact” of the project, but the inquiry panel was certain the impact would be limited to an “acceptable level”.
“A road connection across Kororoit Creek is critical to the arterial road network,” a hearing report found. “It is clear that the ultimate six-lane option with a bridge over the Kororoit Creek is essential to meet the longer-term demands in the corridor.”
Public response
News of a new bridge drew an overwhelming response on Star Weekly’s Facebook page last week, with comments ranging from “great news” and “way overdue” to “finally, Calder Park Drive will be linked to Ballarat Road”.
But local resident Maxine Hunter was less supportive: “When you live off Westwood Drive, you take your life in your hands trying to get out,” she said. “They need lights in Westwood Drive when the bridge opens.”
Melton council’s capital projects manager, David Caligari, said construction was expected to begin in the first half of 2017 and take a year.
Star Weekly reported earlier this year that VicRoads could acquire “parts of” up to 26 properties for the project.
RELATED STORIES
DATE SET FOR KINGS PARK ROUNDABOUT REMOVAL
RING ROAD UPGRADE SET TO BEGIN
