By JOHN VAN KLAVEREN
A SURPRISE second Melbourne river crossing project could ease congestion for Geelong commuters.
Premier Daniel Andrews yesterday unveiled Transurban’s proposed Western Distributor – as opposed to the Westgate Distributor – an “innovative new“ toll road project.
The Transurban proposal would connect the West Gate Fwy to CityLink via a tunnel, a second river crossing and an elevated freeway along Footscray Rd.
Mr Andrews said the project would relieve pressure on the West Gate Bridge, improve truck access to Melbourne’s port and significantly reduce truck traffic.
Transurban estimated the project would generate 3500 construction jobs and cost up to $5.5 billion.
Mr Andrews said the project would start at the end of the year and be complete by 2020 if it secured approval.
The Government would assess the proposal against other plans including the West Gate Distributor, he said.
Mr Andrews recently laid to rest the previous government’s East West Link, leaving a second river crossing in limbo.
“Building a direct link to the Port of Melbourne and a tunnel alternative to the West Gate Bridge would cut travel times for workers and businesses across Victoria,” he said.
Committee for Geelong head Rebecca Casson said securing another crossing of the Maribyrnong River had always been a priority.
“If the project proceeds it will be the much-needed second river crossing, which Victoria’s second largest city has been advocating for some time. It has the potential to be great for Geelong and will assist with easing congestion for the longer term.”
Ms Casson said Geelong must be consulted on the project to ensure it met the region’s road transport needs.
But shadow treasurer Michael O’Brien said the project had no business case or mandate.
“Why would motorists pay a toll to take Daniel Andrews’ Western Distributor toll road when they can take the West Gate Bridge for free?” he said.
“The one project Daniel Andrews did take to the election was the West Gate Distributor. Now he has scrapped it for an alternative at 10 times the cost.”
Mr O’Brien said the project appeared to be building another freeway ending in a T-intersection, causing further inner city congestion.
