By ANEEKA SIMONIS
THE notorious bottleneck on the Monash Freeway may soon be a headache of the past, if a newly endorsed widening project is approved.
Federal Environment Minister Greg Hunt announced his support for the $200 million upgrade to the Monash Freeway, highlighting plans to add a third lane in each direction at the Hallam Bypass between Warrigal Road at Chadstone and Clyde Road at Berwick.
“In the short term, the Monash Freeway upgrade must be supported by the state (government),” he told 3AW breakfast.
The widening proposal was earlier raised by La Trobe MP Jason Wood who has previously described the highway as a “car park” for pained commuters travelling at snail’s pace during the daily peak.
“We desperately need this in La Trobe, and I hope that although the State Labor Government have been ignoring the outer south eastern suburbs with the abandonment of the East-West Link, they will come to the table on the Monash Freeway,” he said.
The widening project was one of several road projects endorsed by Mr Hunt, the lead minister for the new cities portfolio.
In July this year, the Gazette revealed an extra lane was planned for both lanes of the Hallam Bypass due to be opened in 2006.
However, plans for the third lane were said to have been scrapped in exchange for a $10 million saving and earlier completion date.
A State Government spokesperson said the Hallam Bypass was built with two lanes in each direction, with the provision for a third if future demand required.
He denied the current need for a third lane.
“Currently, there is no demand for the third lane as it is being met though improved public transport and other effective infrastructure projects,” he said.
Infrastructure Australia has assessed the road widening project, recommending it should proceed.
“The upgrade will improve the operational performance, effective capacity and safety on the Monash Freeway and provide travellers with a high-level, consistent user experience along the freeway by continuing the upgrade from Warrigal Road,” read a statement about the assessment released in June 2013 under the previous State Government.
