Gains seen from upgrade of crucial freight corridor
Victoria’s proposed $400 million Monash Freeway upgrade has gained industry backing.
The Victorian Transport Association sees it as making that pivotal road connection less congested and safer for all motorists, including heavy vehicle operators.
“The Monash is the most important freight corridor for vehicles travelling to and from Melbourne’s south east,” VTA CEO Peter Anderson says.
“The Victorian government’s significant investment in this infrastructure demonstrates it understands the frustrations that freight operators and other road users have had with persistent congestion on the Monash.
“The upgrades . . . will make a massive contribution to improving productivity for freight operators.
“Every second a vehicle isn’t spent sitting idly in traffic is time it can otherwise be spent making deliveries, which translates into economic activity for the operator and the state, something all Victorians should welcome.”
The industry and heavy vehicle operators are expected to also benefit from the safety improvements from the project.
“Any measure that improves safety is to be welcomed, and if the smart technology and traffic management systems included in the upgrade leads to a 20 per cent reduction in serious crashes, that will translate into fewer injuries and fatalities, along with less traffic blockages,” Anderson says.
He sees the industry as encouraged at signs from the federal government is more open to investing in Victorian road infrastructure projects.
“For too long, Victoria has been overlooked when it comes to Commonwealth road infrastructure spending,” he adds.
“As a road of national significance we would hope this project will qualify for a federal contribution, therefore freeing up state funding for other critical transport projects.”