Western Highway upgrades get bi-partisan backing

THE Federal Labor Government has allocated $1.1 billion to Western Highway upgrades.

Member for Ballarat and Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government Catherine King and the Member for Hawke Sam Rae were in Melton last week to make the announcement.

The works will aim to deliver safer, more efficient travel for residents west of Melbourne.

The project includes capacity and safety works between Melton and Caroline Springs, upgrades at the Brewery Tap Road intersection at Warrenheip and more.

Member for Hawke Sam Rae said he is “stoked.”

“It’s a partnership again between Federal, State and local government to get the Western Highway fixed up,” he said.

“We’re going to end up with more lanes, improved interchanges, the bridges will be fixed up at the end of the project… It’s going to be a fantastic project for the people in the west.”

Mr Rae said about 86,000 people rely on the highway daily.

Member for Ballarat Catherine King and Member for Hawke Sam Rae (left) making the funding announcement.

“Fixing the Western Freeway has been a top priority for me since getting elected,” he said.

“This $1 billion investment to upgrade the Western Freeway is a critical step toward ensuring our community has the infrastructure it needs.

“Whether it’s people heading to work, parents getting their kids to school, or freight operators keeping the economy moving, this billion-dollar investment will make our roads safer, ease congestion, and allow people to get home sooner.

“This is about more than convenience – it’s about making sure people can get to work on time and home to their families safely.”

If successful at the Federal election later this year, the Coalition has also committed to fund critical upgrades to the Western Highway.

“I’ve been fighting for improved capacity and safety along the Western Freeway between Melton and Caroline Springs, including improvements to the Ferris Road interchange,” said Liberal Candidate for Hawke, Simmone Cottom.

“I’m proud this commitment by the Liberals will deliver the important capacity and safety upgrades my community and I have been fighting for.”