MEDIA RELEASE - 11TH June 2008
Wyndham City Council is calling on Minister for Roads and Ports, Tim Pallas to release the Werribee St/Cottrell St Planning Study Final Report and commit appropriate funds as a matter of urgency.
Council understands that VicRoads’ Werribee St/Cottrell St Planning Study Final Report has been with the State Government for sign off since April 2008. According to VicRoads’ original project timeline, the Final Report was due for release mid last year. This timeframe was then extended to October 2007.
Wyndham Mayor, Cr Kim McAliney said is unacceptable for the Final Report to be delayed further.
“The Wyndham community has already waited an additional 12 months for the release of the Werribee St/Cottrell St Final Report. During this time Wyndham’s population has increased by 7,000, which equates to a 6.2 per cent rise. This growth places additional pressure on Wyndham’s road infrastructure, specifically key intersections such as Werribee St/Cottrell St,” she said.
“There are currently 25,000 vehicles crossing the Werribee St/Cottrell St intersection every day. Boom gate closures during the morning peak can reach 13.5 minutes per hour, which causes havoc for the growing number of motorists who are caught in gridlock.”
VicRoads’ Werribee St/Cottrell St Planning Study Draft Final Report highlighted a number of road network improvements, which are supported by Council. Projects include:
- Construction of Duncans Rd Interchange westerly ramps’
- Duplication of Heaths Rd;
- Construction of McGrath Rd, Galvin Rd, Browns Rd, Alfred Rd link (at grade); and
- Construction of Armstrong Rd with grade separation at rail line.
Cr McAliney said the need for the release of the Final Report and subsequent funding commitment for identified projects was highlighted by the State Government audit of Victoria’s rail crossing.
“Out of Victoria’s 1872 rail crossings, the State Government audit found that the Werribee St/Cottrell St crossing is the seventh most dangerous. This audit should highlight the urgent requirement for traffic to be diverted away from the Werribee St/Cottrell St intersection.”
“Wyndham Council has put its money where its mouth is by allocating $1.7 million in 2008/09 for the construction of McGrath Rd, south of Blackforest Rd. The McGrath Rd/ Galvin Rd/ Browns Rd/ Alfred Rd link is a vital component in eventually providing an alternative to Werribee St/Cottrell St and Council is committed to making it happen – we encourage the State Government to come to the party.”
“I strongly urge Tim Pallas to release the Werribee St/Cottrell St Planning Study Final Report, and commit funds to projects such as the Duncans Rd interchange as a matter of urgency.”