More detail has emerged about Wyndham council’s proposed $37.1 million road spend over the coming financial year.
The record funding allocation, which is detailed in the council’s draft 2018-19 budget, includes money for three major road projects across the city: the duplication of Forsyth Road between Old Geelong Road and Sayers Road, construction of Ison Road between the Princes Freeway and Melbourne-Geelong rail line, and the duplication of Tarneit Road between Sayers and Leakes roads.
Wyndham council’s acting director of city economy Peter McKinnon said the Ison Road funding was part of a $40 million program to fast-track construction of the Armstrong-Ison Road link from Black Forest Road to the Princes Freeway.
Once complete, the project will give Wyndham Vale and Manor Lakes residents direct access to the Princes Freeway without having to pass through Werribee’s CBD. Works on the package is slated for completion in 2019.
“The overall project also includes the construction of Armstrong Road from Black Forest Road to Bulban Road, and Armstrong Road up to Greens Road – construction of which is under way,” Mr McKinnon said.
Meanwhile, detailed designs for the Tarneit road duplication are under way, with construction to begin in either late 2018 or early 2019. Designs for the Forsyth Road duplication are close to completion and tenders are expected to be undertaken this month.
The council also plans to splash out $16 million in land acquisitions as part of the roads funding package, but would not disclose what land they’re looking to buy.
“It is not uncommon for council to allocate funding towards land acquisitions to accommodate for future community infrastructure, including the widening of roads. Further details on specific acquisitions will be available as we progress with various projects,” Mr McKinnon said.
The funding will also go towards road surfacings, traffic light installations – including at Dunnings Road and Lennon Boulevard, and Boardwalk and Mile Franklin Boulevard – and intersection safety improvement works.
The draft budget is now out for public viewing at the council civic centre, Wyndham’s libraries, a number of community centres, and online at www.wyndham.vic.gov.au
