Relief for motorists caught in traffic jams on Wyndham’s most congested roads could be years away after VicRoads backed off from modelling that recommended the roads be duplicated by 2016.
Transport Department modelling from 2011 slated Forsyth, Derrimut, Dohertys, Heaths, Palmers and Point Cook roads for duplication in the next two years.
The modelling also recommended that Leakes Road be duplicated in 2021, with Sayers and Tarneit roads to follow in 2031.
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But VicRoads last week backed away from the modelling, which was tabled at a hearing into the east-west link, saying it was only a guideline of when work should be done and not a commitment to the projects going ahead.
A 2013 Wyndham council traffic volumes report found that Forsyth, Point Cook, Derrimut, Palmers and Heaths roads were all carrying more than 20,000 vehicles a day. An arterial road is considered over capacity if it is used by more than 18,000 vehicles a day.
Wyndham mayor Bob Fairclough said the roads outlined in VicRoads’ modelling needed immediate funding. “This modelling is deeply concerning, given Wyndham’s rapid population growth and a recent council report finding that traffic on roads in Tarneit and Truganina has increased by 17 per cent in the past 12 months,” he said.
VicRoads regional director Patricia Liew said the 2011 modelling was being refined.
She said the updated modelling would make recommendations based on growth pressures and was expected to be completed by the middle of the year.
