An Albanese Labor Government will take the first step toward fixing the Western Highway by investing in a detailed business case to plan an upgrade between Melton and Caroline Springs.
The Western Highway is the key arterial for Western Victoria, and every single day 77,000 vehicles travel the stretch from Melton to Caroline Springs.
Despite these high traffic levels, the locals are left idling along aged and inadequate freeway infrastructure, including direct property access and at-grade interchanges, leading to significant peak hour congestion.
With the population of Melton set to climb from 190,000 in 2022 to almost 450,000 in 2051, traffic is only going to get worse and worse.
That’s why an Albanese Labor Government will invest $10 million in a business case to understand the best solutions to upgrade this significant stretch of road, in line with the priorities of Melton City Council.
When complete, this project would deliver a quicker and safer commute for tens of thousands of locals.
While the Morrison Government makes empty promises to commuter car parks in marginal seats in the eastern suburbs, only an Albanese Labor Government will work collaboratively with the Victorian Government to deliver the infrastructure that Victorians actually need.
Quotes attributable to Catherine King, Shadow Minister for Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Development:
‘Like everyone in the west of the state, I know this stretch of the road and its traffic problems very well.’
‘Upgrading this road won’t only get locals home more quickly and safely, but it will allow businesses to move goods from the regions to the city without having to factor in daily road congestion.’
Quotes attributable to Brendan O’Connor, Member for Gorton:
‘This is a great investment for our local community.’
‘Whether it’s building the Deer Park Bypass or planning the next steps here, only a Labor Government will invest in the road upgrades our community needs.’
Quotes attributable to Sam Rae, Labor Candidate for Hawke:
‘Securing this investment has been one of my priorities as a candidate, because it is desperately needed to keep our growing community moving.’
‘The last Labor Government built the Deer Park Bypass, the new Anthony’s Cutting and we funded Hallett’s Way. For almost a decade under this Federal Government there has been no investment for this vital road.’