Council calls on Federal Government to stop delays on road project

An important road connection is Epping remains on hold thanks to an environmental assessment lying dormant with the Federal Government.

With the State Government’s O’Herns Road stage 1 upgrade complete, City of Whittlesea Mayor Lawrie Cox has called on the government to fast track the environmental assessment for Stage 2.

Stage 2 includes the duplication of O’Herns Road between the Hume Freeway and Redding Rise, three new intersections with traffic lights, a new interchange at the Hume freeway and extra lanes between O’Herns Road and Cooper Street.  

This will see the connection of local roads with improved travel time and opportunities for the further construction of Edgars Road.

Developer MAB is responsible for extending Edgars Road from Willandra Drive to O’Herns Road.

Development Victoria is responsible for connecting Edgars Road between Rockfield Street and O’Herns Road.

The approval of the environmental assessment for O’Herns Road will also allow for the connection and extension of Edgars Road to be built.

Cr Cox said Council had been lobbying the Federal Government to approve the environmental assessment so that the State Government and developers could get on with building the road connections.

“Our residents are stuck in traffic each day and we really need O’Herns Road stage 2 completed plus Edgars Road between Craigieburn Road East to Cooper Street.

“At the moment all that stands between our residents and a smooth flowing road is an environmental assessment.”

Cr Cox said Council had tried unsuccessfully to contact the Federal Government for an update.

“We call on the Federal Government to expedite the approvals and get this project completed.”