WELCOME PROGRESS ON VICTORIAN TRANSPORT PLAN
13/07/2010
ConnectEast, the owner and operator of EastLink, has welcomed the Victorian Government’s 2010 Transport Plan Update and said that encouraging progress was being made to further improve Victoria’s transport network.
ConnectEast Managing Director Dennis Cliche said the release of three alignment options for stage one of the proposed WestLink project showed that the proposal was gaining momentum.
“The WestLink project, which provides direct access from the western suburbs to the Port of Melbourne for heavy vehicles, will provide an essential alternative to the West Gate Bridge for motorists as well as businesses moving goods and services between Melbourne’s eastern and western suburbs,” Mr Cliche said.
“The proposed Truck Action Plan, coupled with the addition of new road infrastructure, will tackle localised congestion by taking trucks off neighborhood streets, thereby freeing those streets up for other uses and enhancing community amenity.
“The benefits of investing in transport infrastructure have been demonstrated by the reliability and travel time savings delivered to many thousands of motorists along the EastLink corridor every day.”
Mr Cliche said the Government’s Transport Plan struck the right balance between road and public transport projects, with progress also continuing on the proposed Regional Rail Link and the Melbourne Metro rail tunnel.
“ConnectEast has always supported an integrated mix of road and public transport travel options. These projects represent a balanced long-term approach to Melbourne’s transport challenges,” Mr Cliche said.
“Following the lead of Peninsula Link (due for completion in early 2013) we look forward to these projects proceeding to construction sooner rather than later in order to maintain Victoria’s liveability and economic competitiveness,” Mr Cliche said.
“The delivery of EastLink five months early and on-budget showed the ability for major infrastructure projects in Victoria to be delivered efficiently with the very best community outcomes.”
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