VTA points to RACV traffic survey result to make yet another push for the missing link project
The Victorian Transport Association (VTA) says the results of a recent RACV traffic congestion survey are a resounding proof that Melbourne’s North East Link project must be prioritised for construction.
The annual RACV Redspot survey highlighted Melbourne’s top 10 congestion hotspots, six of which are in the transport corridor spanning Clifton Hill through to Greensborough and Templestowe.
VTA is using the results of the survey to make yet another push for the development of the North East link, a proposed freeway connecting the Metropolitan Ring Road at Greensborough and the Eastern Freeway near Bulleen or the EastLink junction in Ringwood.
The survey also suggests the “discriminatory” night curfews on heavy vehicles on Rosanna Road have failed and only increased traffic and congestion on the roads during the day, VTA points out.
Out of the 10 congestion hotspots affecting cars and freight vehicles, five intersections are between the Metropolitan Ring Road at Greensborough and the Eastern Freeway at Bulleen, including:
- Rosanna Rd/Jika St/Dora St/Banksia St Lower/Heidelberg Rd (Heidelberg)
- Chandler Highway between Heidelberg Rd and Princess St (Alphington/Kew)
- Fitzsimmons Lane between Main Rd and Porter St (Eltham/Templestowe)
- Greensborough Highway between Metropolitan Ring Rd and Grimshaw St (Greensborough)
- Eastern Freeway/Bulleen Rd/Thompsons Rd (Balwyn North)
VTA CEO Peter Anderson says the results of the report should be a clear indication to the authorities to urgency of the missing link project.
“These are all key arterial routes that cars and trucks use to get between the Eastern Freeway and the M80,” Anderson says.
“That they have dominated the top 10 of this comprehensive annual RACV report should send a clear signal to federal and state legislators that the North East Link must be urgently prioritised for construction.
“The results also show night curfew trials on trucks in the area have failed and that all they really achieve is to increase congestion during the day.
“The VTA has consistently said that operators will use other roads or delay their travel to the morning peak, because they still have to move freight in spite of the curfew.
“The results of this survey appear to validate that.”
Anderson is calling for a bi-partisan agreement between political parties and the $5 million funding that was promised during the run up to the federal elections to study possible routing options for the project.
“The North East Link will create massive productivity improvements for freight operators by creating a seamless north to south-east connection, and by removing up to 40 per cent of heavy vehicle traffic from suburban roads in the area.
“The VTA urges state and federal politicians to put their differences aside and reach a consensus position on the North East Link, backed up by serious funding for this vital piece of transport infrastructure.”
VTA has been a strong advocate of the project, making repeated calls to get the ball rolling in this direction.