Hannah Hammoud
The Calder Freeway has been named as one of the most concerning roads in Melbourne in a recent RACV survey.
The My Melbourne Road Survey asked more than 5000 motorists, cyclists, pedestrians and public transport users about their safety concerns of Melbourne’s transport network.
The Calder Freeway, running between the suburbs of Keilor Park, Keilor and Taylors Lakes, received the fifth most responses out of all roads in Melbourne.
The main issues raised in the responses referenced unsafe driving, with heavy congestion inducing risk-taking behaviours.
Robert Pelly is a member of the Calder Action Group and has been campaigning for improvements to fix the Calder Freeway for 20 years.
Mr Pelly said during peak times the Calder Freeway resembles a “car park” as heavy congestion forces motorists to a standstill.
“All around there is a lack of money spent on roads in the north west, and the Calder Freeway is the worst of them,” he said.
“As more and more people move into the area, that means more and more cars are going to be on the road.
“If you’re going to encourage people to come live in these areas then you need to have the infrastructure to keep up with it.”
The 2023-24 state budget included an allocation of $10.693 million to improve the Calder Freeway but funding remains in limbo as the federal government undertakes its 90 day review of major infrastructure projects.
Mr Pelly said funding needs to be delivered as soon as possible to get the job done.
“No more pushing the can down the road. We need to fund the Calder, start building and get it done.”
A Victorian Department of Transport and Planning spokesperson said the state’s transport network is continually monitored for potential improvements.
“Road safety is a broad and complex issue that requires a strategic, multi-faceted and coordinated approach and we welcome community feedback as part of that mix,” the spokesperson said.
