ACTING Prime Minister, Richard Marles joined Federal Member for McEwen, Rob Mitchell to be briefed on the progress of the Watson Street interchange in Wallan on Thursday.
Mr Mitchell said that the long-awaited project is high on his Government’s agenda.
The visit also brought State Member for Yan Yean, Lauren Kathage and representatives from Major Roads Projects Victoria (MRPV) to the site to discuss the project.
“Since 2019 Labor has backed this project and when we came to government in May 2022 we started the funding delivery in our first Budget in October 2022,” Mr Mitchell said.
“With the State allocating their contribution in 2023 and our additional funding of $40 million for works to Watson Street in 2024, and with community consultation, pre-construction and design works having been undertaken, Mr Marles and myself were keen to know when works will commence.”
MRPV Executive Program Director, Alexis Davison and Program Director, Dipal Sorathia provided Mr Marles, Mr Mitchell and Ms Kathage with updated designs and projected timelines.
“We understand unexpected delays can occur in projects of this size including the redesign of the southbound on ramp on environmental grounds,” Mr Mitchell said.
“It was pleasing to get the reassurance work will begin in November and construction to commence in early 2026.
“As Wallan’s population has boomed, our local community has had to endure traffic congestion just to travel locally, let alone access arterial roads to Melbourne. The new freeway ramps will ease congestion and provide efficient north-south access. It’s part of a broader strategy to future-proof the region’s infrastructure against further growth.
“I thank the Acting Prime Minister for his keen interest in this project, taking the time to come and see the project details and the site of the long-awaited interchange and for his support for our community.
“Just look at what is being achieved, Yan Yean Road Stage 2, Old Sydney Road, Donnybrook Road, updates to Darraweit Road, repairs on Epping Kilmore Road and temporary measures ahead of future upgrades like traffic lights at Lithgow Street and Donnybrook Road. These are all making a difference.”
In all my years driving from the Wallan station into Wallan I’ve not seen any road use counters to justify this work, yet there have been dozens of counters for the bypass with zero outcomes. The money would have better results being spent on the bypass.