Moorabool council is urging the state government to get a move on and finish Bacchus Marsh traffic improvements, announced 18 months ago.
In 2013, the former state government announced $38 million to go towards roadworks in the oft-neglected town.
But less than one per cent of the state government’s package of works has been completed, according to council chief executive Rob Croxford.
The state government is responsible for constructing east-facing ramps and a dedicated bridge at Halletts Way, estimated to cost $12.5 million, while the council is responsible for upgrading Woolpack Road South, Hopetoun Park Road and the off-ramps at Bacchus Marsh Road exit.
Mayor Paul Tatchell said while the council appreciated the funding it had received so far, the state government needed to commit to the east-facing ramps.
“This funding is greatly appreciated, but there is a strong reliance on the funding of the east-facing ramps to make the western route a reality,” Cr Tatchell said.
“I am urging the current state government to commence works on this critical piece of infrastructure, to improve the safety, amenity and travel times for our 19,000 Bacchus Marsh residents.”
The project is due to be completed in four stages, with the state government’s responsibility being vital to stage four, which is now in its construction phase.
“The community often contacts councillors and officers asking what we’re going to do to relieve traffic congestion, in general, and, in particular, when VicRoads are going to do something about safety concerns on the Western Highway overpass along Halletts Way,” Mr Croxford said.
“Almost all north-south bound traffic over, or to, the Western Highway is forced onto an already-congested Grant Street and Gisborne Road.”
A spokeswoman for the Roads Minister said the government was looking at options for funding stages two and three of the project. Stage one included upgrading Hopetoun Park Road and constructing an exit ramp from the Western Highway to Bacchus Marsh Road.
The Opposition spokesman for Roads, Ryan Smith, said Bacchus Marsh residents were paying the price for lack of action.
“With Melbourne’s population continuing to grow, our future depends on urban centres like Bacchus Marsh taking on a bigger role in our economy,” Mr Smith said.
