The 2016/17 Victorian State Budget has invested over $10 billion in public transport and road projects across Victoria. The Labor Government have already started removing 50 level crossings and will fully-fund Melbourne’s new Metro Tunnel.
Other initiatives announced in the Budget, include:
Melbourne suburban
· $1.46 billion over four years towards fully-funding the Western Distributor, the much-needed alternative to the West Gate Bridge. The project will create 5,600 jobs during construction and it is predicted travel times from Geelong to the Melbourne CBD will be cut by 20 minutes. The project will also add an extra lane to the Monash Freeway between Eastlink and Clyde Road
· $437 million to upgrade Thompsons Road, Yan Yean Road, O’Herns Road, Hoddle Street and Bolton Street in Eltham
· $228 million to duplicate sections of Dohertys Rd and Hallam Rd and widen Plenty Rd, and
· $10 million to plan the next stage of expanding the outer suburban arterial road network.
Regional
· $107 millionto improve safety and reduce travel times across the regions by providing extra overtaking lanes, improved road conditions and plans for future road upgrades.
· $107 millionto build the Drysdale Bypass, which will reduce congestion on the Bellarine Peninsula.
· Over$30 millionto duplicate Napier Street in Bendigo between Weeroona Avenue and Hall Street.
For further information, visit www.budget.vic.gov.au.