Victorian Government presents commercially sponsored plan for a second river crossing
Toll-road operator Transurban has offered to build and manage a new toll road and tunnel that will provide freight and private traffic a new connection between central Melbourne and the western suburbs.
Under plans unveiled by Premier Daniel Andrews yesterday, the company would put up two thirds of the $5.5 billion building cost, in return for the ability to toll users on the new route and a 10- to 15-year extension to its existing tolling rights for the CityLink toll road that it presently manages.
In addition to the new tunnel and elevated road, the project would widen the West Gate freeway in the lead up to the “Western Distributor” and provide new, direct links to Port of Melbourne’s new stevedoring operation at Webb Dock.
Andrews says the proposal has progressed through two stages of its advertised process for private-public partnership proposals and is now being assessed by the Treasury.
If the numbers stack up, work will begin by the end of this year, with the project completed by 2020.
“The Government recognises and appreciates the effort Transurban has gone to in bringing forward this final proposal,” he says.
“Building a direct link to the Port of Melbourne and a tunnel alternative to the West Gate Bridge would cut travel times for workers and businesses across Victoria.”
Transurban CEO Scott Charlton says the proposal aims to satisfy a range of stakeholders, although consultations will continue.
“Our proposal minimises impacts on local communities, removes the need to acquire any homes, and supports motorists and trucks looking for alternative connections to the city,” he says.
“It is a project that will evolve as we discuss potential transport solutions with the local community and work continues with the State Government.”
Director of Victoria University’s Institute of Supply Chain and Logistics Hermione Parsons has welcomed the “proactive” approach.
“I think it is excellent that a proposal that addresses the critical need (of a West Gate Bridge alternative) is coming forth and being considered,” she says.
Still, Parsons warns against moving forward without a rigorous investigation of all aspects of the plan.
“Even if we like a project, it is critical that an independent body considers it,” she says.
“These projects are very, expensive multigenerational developments – we need to be making sure we are making very sensible decisions that have considered all aspects.”
The Container Transport Alliance Australia has welcomed the State Government’s “refreshing” attitude, in considering a market-led proposal that will likely replace its own West Gate Distributor plan.
“The container freight industry has a significant growing concentration to the west of Melbourne, and has always favoured a viable alternative route to the West Gate Bridge,” CEO Neil Chambers says.