- Published:
- Thursday 14 April 2016
The Andrews Labor Government’s 2016/17 Victorian Budget will provide the full funding required to build the Western Distributor Project – a second river crossing that will slash travel time from Geelong by 20 minutes.
Although it is unheard of for the Commonwealth Government not to invest in a project of such national significance, the Labor Government is providing certainty to the community by allocating the $1.46 billion required over the forward estimates to get it done.
The Labor Government will continue its attempts to convince the Turnbull Government that a second river crossing and the significant travel time savings from Geelong warrant Commonwealth investment, however the Government will get it done with or without them.
The Government and Transurban have today also signed an agreement on processes for the tender, planning and engagement stages and announced the establishment of the Western Distributor Authority to get this project done.
We have also released the first full designs which include two options for connecting the West Gate Freeway to the Western Distributor Tunnel – either directly within the road reserve, or via ramps to a portal in adjacent land.
To get dangerous goods trucks – which can’t travel in a tunnel – out of residential streets, the designs include five ramp options to connect the West Gate Freeway directly to Hyde Street.
The Western Distributor will also link to the city and the surrounding road network with connections to CityLink, Dynon Road and an extended Wurundjeri Way.
Residents will be able to have their say on the design options through an extensive community consultation process, including community information sessions beginning on 16 April and online engagement starting today at www.westerndistributorproject.vic.gov.au.
The designs will continue to be refined as planning progresses and in light of community and other feedback.
Quotes attributable to the Premier Daniel Andrews
“We will build the long-overdue second river crossing, and cut travel time from Geelong by 20 minutes.”
“Although we will continue to advocate for the Turnbull Government to partner with us on this project, we simply cannot wait to get on with delivering it, and we’re getting it done with or without their support.”
Quotes attributable to the Treasurer Tim Pallas
“We’re getting on with the Western Distributor to cut congestion, take thousands of trucks off local streets in the inner-West, and create 5,600 Victorian jobs.”
Quotes attributable to the Minister for Roads Luke Donnellan
“We want to hear from residents, industry and local councils, to help understand what’s important to them to get the design right.”