The long-awaited duplication of Melton Highway is at least 15 years away, Transport Department documents reveal.
Duplication of the highway between The Regency and Ryans Lane was among the projects listed in documents tabled with an east-west link planning panel earlier this month.
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But while the documents propose the upgrades be completed by about 2031, both Public Transport Victoria and VicRoads say there is no guarantee the works will be funded.
Melton highway patrol’s Senior Constable Allan Edwards said increasing traffic meant Melton Highway needed to be duplicated well before 2031. Thirteen deaths have been recorded on the highway since 1987.
“It’s a proven fact that duplicated roads are so much safer and help eliminate the risk of head-on collisions,” Senior Constable Edwards said.
Melton council planning and development general manager Luke Shannon said the council agreed.
“Given the significant growth in the western region of Melbourne … the planning work for this to occur should commence as a matter of priority,” he said.
Other projects listed in the Transport Department documents include duplication of Calder Park Drive, Westwood Drive and Robinsons Road to four lanes by 2021 and six lanes by 2031, and the duplication of Taylors Road in three sections by 2021.
VicRoads regional director Patricia Liew said the organisation was ‘‘redefining’’ the transport model that was used in the documents.
“While the model will look at the road and public transport network that will be required in the future, it assumes population and land- use growth and can only be considered as a guide,’’ she said.
Public Transport Victoria spokesman Adrian Darwent said the documents were created for planning purposes and did not necessarily represent future commitments.
