By Fatima Halloum
Wyndham motorists could soon see “crucial“ works on Ballan Road after the Liberal Party pledged to provide $87 million in upgrades if successful at the November state election.
The funding will be used to duplicate Ballan Road between Armstrong Road and Bolton Road, upgrading existing roundabouts to signalised intersections and widening the overpass at the Ballan Road rail line in Wyndham Vale to accommodate extra lanes entering the Armstrong Road intersection.
Opposition leader Matt Guy, said the duplication could solve “significant concerns“ around congestion in the area.
“The upgrade will service the growing suburbs between Manor Lakes and Werribee, as well as locations of interest like the Manor Lakes train station, Manor Lakes shopping centre, Eagle Stadium and multiple schools,“ Mr Guy said.
“This will mean a safer and faster drive to school and work and will service the area well into the future.”
Roads and Road Safety Minister Ben Carroll told Star Weekly the Liberals’ proposal doesn’t address traffic problems in Wyndham Vale.
“This commitment is drastically under-costed and undercooked,“ Mr Carroll said.
“When you commit to under-funding a project you are committing to not delivering it.
“It’s a Labor government that is delivering a dedicated 20-year maintenance program targeting roads in Melbourne’s western suburbs as part of the $1.8 billion Western Roads Upgrade.“
Star Weekly understands the state government has not announced any funding for Ballan Road.
Wyndham mayor Peter Maynard said the council welcomed the funding pledge.
“Ballan Road is just one of many in Wyndham that is heavily congested,” Cr Maynard said.
“We need all political parties to commit to more infrastructure and services for Wyndham … we’ll continue to work with all parties and candidates in the lead-up to the November election to ensure our fast-growing community has access to the infrastructure they need now and into the future.”
