Thursday, 15 August 2019

In reply to  Dr CUMMING (Western Metropolitan) (30 May 2019)

Ms ALLAN (Bendigo East—Leader of the House, Minister for Transport Infrastructure):

The Victorian Government is working with Hobsons Bay City Council to invest in inner west communities including Spotswood to boost the area’s liveability. Massive community upgrades are being delivered as part of the West Gate Tunnel Project, supporting Council’s long-term plans for the area. This includes $5 million of State funding to Hobsons Bay City Council for an Open Space Enhancement and Access Package. Council is contributing an additional $2.86 million for a total of $7.86 million.

Consultation on the West Gate Tunnel Project has taken place with Council, residents and community groups, including the Spotswood South Kingsville Residents Group. This has helped to shape the project and local upgrades, including cycling and walking paths and connections to existing paths, and key design decisions such as noise wall locations and additional attenuation for open spaces.

The West Gate Tunnel Project will make it easier to get to and around Spotswood including through 24-hour truck bans on Hudsons Road and Blackshaws Road. These bans will come into effect when the project opens in 2022.

To maximise the opportunities presented by the West Gate Tunnel Project for improving transport in Spotswood, a major Hobsons Bay Transport Study is being overseen by the Department of Transport (DoT).

During construction of the West Gate Tunnel Project, there will be a temporary increase in heavy vehicles in some parts of Spotswood near the West Gate Freeway. Construction compounds have been carefully considered to reduce impact on local communities and construction vehicles will use major roads and freeways wherever possible. If local roads need to be used to get to worksites, residents are notified of changes near them and traffic management plans are reviewed by Hobsons Bay City Council.

Residents and community groups seeking further information on the West Gate Tunnel Project can visit the Information Centre on Somerville Road near the corner with Whitehall Street in Yarraville or call the 24-hour information line on 1800 105 105.