The Victorian Transport Association (VTA) has welcomed and endorsed the Victorian government’s long-term plans for the North East Link under way in Melbourne’s north east suburbs.
VTA CEO Peter Anderson says the North East Link will fundamentally change how freight is moved around Melbourne, and to and from south east of the sate when it is completed in 2028.
“When we, along with the RACV, advocated for the then Andrews Labor government to complete the missing link in Melbourne’s ring road, it was because we knew freight operators were desperate for a freeway connection that mitigated going into Melbourne to get out of Melbourne,” he adds.
“North East Link solves this by diverting traffic around the city on a technologically modern and safe roadway, which also returns arterial roads to commuter traffic.”
Peter notes the Victorian government should be applauded for listening to the experts and making changes to the project that will improve connections from the Eastern Freeway and M80, in recognition of the greater capacity these transport networks will require to carry more passenger and commercial vehicles.
“Cost increases are expected in any major infrastructure project, and the North East Link is no exception,” explains Peter.
“It must be noted that much of the increases have gone towards local community amenity to ensure the best return for those communities that will be directly affected by the building of this project.
“Additional costs to reduce road congestion have also been factored into the project, with things like the new Bulleen Park and Ride and dedicated bus lanes an incentive for commuters to use public transport.
“This will provide immense productivity benefits for freight operators, with massive commercial benefits to the freight industry after completion, and to be realised over many future decades.”
For more information on the Victorian Transport Association, click here.
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