By Laura Michell and Prealene Khera
After withdrawing funds for the Calder Freeway in 2023, the federal and state governments have put the project back on the agenda, with a fresh promise to invest $300 million towards its repair.
The funding will be used to build a long-awaited diamond interchange at Calder Park Drive, which once complete will improve safety, reduce congestion and provide better access.
The proposed funding comes nearly two years after the federal Labor government cancelled the $50 million promise made by the previous Liberal government in 2019.
The project was axed by Infrastructure Minister Catherine King in November 2023 following an infrastructure spending review.
At the time, Ms King said it was not realistically going to be delivered with the available funding, had made little to no progress over a significant amount of time, and did not align with national priorities.
The decision was followed by the state government revealing it would indefinitely pause funding for the freeway upgrades.
When it is built, the new interchange will improve access on and off the Calder Freeway.
Hawke Labor MP Sam Rae said the upgrade would improve safety and congestion on the freeway.
Melton council has welcomed the funding, noting the road is a key access point for Hillside, Taylors Hill, Fraser Riser and Caroline Springs residents.
Council said traffic at the Calder Park Drive intersection often banks back onto the freeway during peak times, increasing the chance of accidents.
Entry to the freeway is currently one way, with drivers having to travel north-bound and perform a U-turn and merge into fast-flowing traffic to travel city-bound.
Mayor Steve Abboushi said it was fantastic to see the federal and state government working in partnership to make roads safer for Melton residents.
“Together with Brimbank City Council, we have been advocating for a full diamond interchange at Calder Park Drive to provide safer access for our residents on and off the Calder Freeway,” he said.
“Along with the rail level crossing removal on Calder Park Drive by the Victorian Government, this new interchange will help improve traffic flow, to and from the freeway, making entering and exiting it much safer.”
