FROM THE MINISTER FOR TRANSPORT

DATE: Thursday, November 1, 2001


$175 MILLION HALLAM BYPASS TO BE COMPLETED ONE YEAR AHEAD OF SCHEDULE

The $175 million Hallam Bypass would be completed 12 months ahead of schedule, the State Government announced today.

Transport Minister Peter Batchelor said the 7.5km long freeway connection between the Monash Freeway at Doveton and the Princes Freeway at Berwick was originally scheduled to be finished at the end of 2004 but would now be finished by the end of 2003.

“This means the benefits of this project will be delivered to residents and businesses in the
south-eastern suburbs and Gippsland a full 12 months earlier,” Mr Batchelor said.

“As well as bypassing Hallam, this important project will provide huge traffic relief to the major growth area of Narre Warren and improves access to Gippsland.

“Since the start of construction in April 2000, the Bracks Government has worked hard bring on line the many significant benefits provided by the Hallam Bypass and we will inject $54 million into the bypass this financial year.

“This recognises the growing importance of the bypass to Victorian transport and development, particularly to assist with the enormous residential and business growth in the region.

“The bypass will assist in easing traffic congestion on roads such as Heatherton Road, Pound Road, Shrives Road, Centre Road and Narre Warren Cranbourne Road, whilst improving access and safety for all residents of the City of Casey.

“It is estimated that the Hallam Bypass will provide $600m worth of savings, primarily consisting of travel time savings and reduced road accidents over the next 30 years.”

Mr Batchelor said traffic delays on the Princes Highway would become a thing of the past with the opening of the bypass.

“Instead, motorists will be able to drive along a four-lane freeway linking the Monash Freeway at Doveton to the Princes Highway at Berwick, completing a missing link in the region’s road network and bypassing 10 sets of traffic lights,” he said.

“Opening the Hallam Bypass to traffic one year earlier is an example of the Bracks Government’s commitment to Linking Victoria, a plan to revitalise the State’s roads, rail and ports to provide vital infrastructure for Victoria.”

“The Government will continue to invest in infrastructure to link up communities, create high quality jobs and deliver benefits to all Victorians.”