Victorian Budget 2016/17 multi-billion transport infrastructure commitment
WEDNESDAY JUNE 08, 2016
The Melbourne Metro Tunnel Project will receive $2.9 billion of the amount to construct two nine kilometre underground tunnels between South Kensington and South Yarra, as part of a multi-billion dollar plan to revolutionise the state’s rail network.
As one of Australia’s largest ever public transport infrastructure projects, the Metro Tunnel will foresee the construction of the state’s very first underground metro rail service, as well as five new underground stations in Arden, Parkville, CBD North, CBD South and Domain.
An additional $587.7 million has also been dedicated towards extending the South Morang line to Mernda as part of the Mernda Rail Project, including more than $140 million to duplicate a section of single track on the Hurstbridge line between Heidelberg and Rosanna.
The Victorian government is also committing $1.4 billion towards the Western Distributor Project, which aims to improve travel times for both freight and commuter services for those travelling in and around Melbourne.
The $5.5 billion Western Distributor Project is expected to create 5,600 new jobs and provide an alternative route for motorists to the West Gate Bridge. Removing thousands of trucks from local streets, the project is expected to deliver an $11 billion boost to Victoria's economy.
Key features of the Western Distributor will include the widening of the West Gate Freeway from 8 to 12 lanes between the M80 and Williamstown Road, as well as the construction of a new tunnel under Yarraville.
Melbourne has been cited as Australia’s fastest growing city, with Melbourne’s population expected to almost double by 2050, requiring extensive investment in the development and upgrading of existing transport infrastructure.
These crucial projects will be discussed at the 8th Annual Victorian Transport Infrastructure Conference in June, as an opportunity for delegates to discuss and share ideas on prominent transport infrastructure projects taking place within the state.
The conference will include a Ministerial Address from Minister for Roads, Road Safety and Ports, Hon. Luke Donnellan MP, as well as from Hon. Jacinta Allan MP, Minister for Transport, Minister for Major Projects.
Other prominent projects to be discussed at the conference will include the Removal of the Level Crossings Project, the Port of Melbourne Port Capacity Project, as well as the Sky Rail Project between Caulfield and Dandenong.
The two day conference is a highly valuable networking opportunity for project managers, operators, contractors, consultants and investors can learn about what projects are in the pipeline for Victoria and capitalize on the business opportunities being created.
The 8th Annual Victorian Transport Infrastructure Projects Conference is being held on the 15th & 16th of June at the Melbourne Convention & Exhibition Centre.
