by Laura Michell
A long-awaited upgrade of the Western Highway between Melton and Caroline Springs is finally on the cards, with the federal government to spend $1 billion upgrading the road.
Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government Minister Catherine King announced the funding – part of a $1.1 billion package which also includes money for works near Ballarat – on Thursday, March 6.
The state and federal government previously funded a business case for the upgrade, announced prior to the 2022 federal election. Work on the business case was completed in December.
Ms King said the upgrade was needed to accommodate the number of people who use the road daily and the region’s projected population growth.
According to Melton council, the Melton to Caroline Springs stretch of the highway is used by 86,00 motorists daily – including more than 5400 trucks. Modelling predicts this will rise to 110,000 vehicles daily by 2031.
“We know how important this road is from a freight and logistics point of view, but we also know how important it is to be able to get people to work,” Ms King said.
“We know what happens from 6am to 9.30am in the morning and when people are trying to get home, that tail back, getting back into Melton in particular … this is a significant and serious investment from the Albanese Labor Government to make sure we improve these corridors.”
State Transport Infrastructure Minister Gabrielle Williams said the federal funding would enable the sate government to look at the upgrade options proposed in the business case and decide the best course of action.
As reported by Star Weekly, the upgrade of the Western Highway has been one of Melton council’s key advocacy priorities for a number of years.
Last week, council launched its federal election advocacy campaign, calling for investment in the highway, Hopkins Road, Melton Highway, and the Palmers Road Corridor, north of the Western Highway (including Robinsons Road, Westwood Drive and Calder Park Drive).
At the time, mayor Steve Abboushi said the Western Highway was the second-busiest freight corridor in Australia, with over five million tonnes freight movement annually and had fallen well behind in terms of its condition and safety.
Cr Abboushi described the $1 billion funding commitment as fantastic news for the community.
“We are delighted with today’s announcement. The Western Highway upgrade has been a top priority for council and the community, and this funding will deliver much-needed upgrades so our residents can get to and from work safely and spend more time with their families,” he said on Thursday.
“This funding demonstrates that working in partnership across all levels of government can lead to positive outcomes for our fast-growing community.
“We look forward to continuing to work with both levels of government to understand the specific details of this investment and timelines for delivery.”
Council said the upgrade is tipped to include extra lanes and upgrades to key intersections.
On Friday, the Liberal Party committed to honouring the funding if it wins the federal election.
Liberal Candidate for Hawke Simmone Cottom said the Western Freeway is congested with cars queuing at exit ramps and traffic dodging potholes.
“I’ve been fighting for improved capacity and safety along the Western Freeway between Melton and Caroline Springs, including improvements to the Ferris Road interchange,” she said.
Western Metropolitan MP David Ettershank said the funding was welcome, but the west was still in desperate need of effective public transport.
“The Western Highway is increasingly not fit-for-purpose, as the number of city-bound cars continues to climb,” Mr Ettershank said.
“We welcome the funding, we’re glad the federal government has stepped up – and we also call on the commonwealth to help fund the upgrade to the Calder Highway, especially the diamond-interchange at Calder Park Drive.
“But we also prompt the state and federal governments to remember that people need quality public transport. That is the best way to provide long-term relief to traffic congestion and improve service access in the west.
“Yes, roads will be critical as the west continues to expand and so while we welcome the increase in funding, we are also that road construction and repairs take time.
“Let’s get the west’s public transport sorted –that includes investment in rail and direct and frequent bus services.”
