A tale of two growing cities and the roads that won’t keep up

Two of Victoria’s fastest growing cities have joined forces to call on the State Government for much needed upgrades to major roads in Melbourne’s north.

In a first, Hume City Council and the City of Whittlesea made a joint submission to State Treasurer Tim Pallas, seeking a Northern Outer Suburban Arterial Roads (OSAR) Package to be included in the upcoming 2018/19 State Budget.

"The fact that Hume and Whittlesea Councils have come together to support this package highlights how important it is to deliver desperately needed roads for Melbourne’s Northern Growth Corridor," Hume Mayor Geoff Porter said.

"A Northern OSAR package will cut travel times, improve road safety and better connect communities in key growth corridors."

Hume City Council and the City of Whittlesea are calling for a Northern OSAR Package that will include:

• Duplication and upgrade of Bridge Inn Road

• Duplication and upgrade of Childs Road

• Duplication and upgrade of Epping Road

• Duplication of Edgars Road

• Duplication and extension of Findon Road

• Duplication of Donnybrook Road

• Duplication of Craigieburn Road

• Duplication of Mickleham Road

• Duplication of Somerton Road

"The fact is that many of the key roads across both municipalities are unable to meet the demands of large and increasing volumes of traffic," City of Whittlesea Mayor Kris Pavlidis said.

"Existing infrastructure is not coping with significant residential and industrial growth; creating costly delays.

"The City of Whittlesea and Hume City are experiencing unprecedented population growth and are developing as key economic hubs."

"Improved road infrastructure is desperately needed to keep our cities and State moving".

"Urgent upgrades and duplications will ensure the safety of traffic users, increase liveability for our residents and secure Victoria’s economic viability.

"Our Councils are therefore calling on the Victorian Government to include a Northern OSAR package in the upcoming State Budget."

For more information, visit www.hume.vic.gov.au/advocacy and www.whittlesea.vic.gov.au

 

Media: Sintiya Khananishoo on 9205 2223 or sintiyak@hume.vic.gov.au or Heather Crosling on 9217 2522 or heather.crosling@whittlesea.vic.gov.au

Tuesday, 23 January 2018