Western Victoria Liberal MP Bev McArthur has echoed Melton council’s calls for Ferris Road to be declared and duplicated.
Speaking in state Parliament this month, Ms McArthur slammed the state government for a lack of vision and action.
She claimed the current plan for the single lane road is “short-sighted and hopelessly outdated,” and incompatible with the current population growth.
“Cobblebank is growing rapidly, with annual percentage increases into double digits. The population will triple in just 10 years,” Ms McArthur said.
“With the new town centre including a train station, a stadium, a shopping centre … as well as a long-promised new hospital, journeys will increase enormously.”
Ms McArthur said failure to act now would create a range of negative repercussions.
“Failure to futureproof the development will increase congestion, reduce safety, cut productivity and slow economic growth.”
She has called on Roads Minister asked Melissa Horne to re-evaluate plans for Ferris Road.
“Reconsider the single-lane bridge, declare the road an arterial route, and commit to providing the infrastructure Melton actually needs.”
A Department of Transport and Planning spokesperson said Ferris Road was adequately future-proofed.
“Ferris Road, south of the Western Freeway Interchange, provides an important north-south connection to the growing community of Cobblebank and we will continue to monitor traffic conditions and growth in the area to ensure that our network is equipped to meet the changing demands of the community,” the spokesperson said.
The spokesperson also said the government was confident the planned Ferris Road level crossing removal project will allow for additional upgrades, improving safety and reducing congestion.
In a council meeting on June 24, a notice of motion was passed for council to write to the state government to seek the reclassification, declaration and duplication of the road as a matter of urgency.
Council noted the construction of the new Melton Hospital, which is expected to be completed by 2029, would likely cause a significant increase in traffic due to an influx of of patients, paramedics, hospital employees, and families.
