Liam McNally
A community advocacy group is unhappy with the rate at which Calder Park Highway upgrades are progressing.
The Calder Action Group is calling on the government to build a Calder Park Drive interchange overpass, as well as widen the Calder, reinstate emergency lanes, and increase the speed limit to 100km/h all the way.
The state and federal governments provided $100 million for Calder highway upgrades last year, with $3.5 million for Major Roads Victoria to undertake planning and development work for a potential Calder Park Drive Interchange to improve access on and off the Calder Freeway.
As reported by Star weekly. the 2022-23 state budget papers included $90.65 million of the $100 million set aside for the project last year is unspent and there is no confirmed completion date for the upgrades.
A business case is being developed for the overpass, however Calder Action Group president Russell Mowatt said that after a decade of advocacy he is looking for a firm commitment.
“You’re in this continuous loop of planning, but nothing actually gets done on the ground,” he said.
“Regardless of the reasons, we as the collective members of the north-west communities have been overlooked and neglected for nearly a decade.”
Brimbank council has long advocated for upgrades to the freeway, launching its ‘Fix the Calder’ camapign last year.
Melton council has welcomed the promised $100 million for investment, however it believes a fully-integrated transport approach for the precinct will take cars off the road and relieve congestion.
Mayor Goran Kesic said nearly 20,000 cars use the Calder Park Drive intersection every day.
“Our rapid population growth will only increase that higher stress, meaning more congestion, more accidents and less time at home with your family,” he said.
“It just makes sense to deliver the interchange, duplication of Calder Park Drive and construction of a new Calder Park station at the same time as the level crossing removal. This will future-proof the precinct. Let’s get it done right one time, first time.”
Melton council is calling on state and federal governments to provide funding to six road infrastructure projects, including the Calder Park Drive interchange as a part of its Fix Our Roads Campaign.
The council also wants upgrades to the Western Highway, Melton Highway, Christies Road, Hopkins Road and the Robinsons Road, Westwood Drive, Calder Park Drive corridor
Residents can add their voice to the campaign by signing a petition at: www.fixourroads.com.au/
Minister for Transport Jacinta Allen and Opposition Leader Matthew Guy were invited to comment on the Calder Park Drive Interchange but did not respond before deadline.
