Labor has committed to funding a new interchange connecting O’Herns Road and the Hume Freeway if it wins the November 29 election.
Opposition leader Dan Andrews, Yan Yean MP Danielle Green and Thomastown MP Bronwyn Halfpenny were at O’Herns Road in Epping North on Monday morning to promise a $135.7 million investment to reduce congestion and boost jobs in Melbourne’s northern suburbs.
The proposed plan includes $40.7 million for the new “diamond” interchange at O’Herns Road and the duplication of a 1.4-kilometre section of O’Herns Road east of the planned interchange.
Mr Andrews also promised $95 million to duplicate a 3.9-kilometre stretch of Yan Yean Road between Diamond Creek Road and Kurrak Road, matching the Coalition’s funding pledge for the road duplication dollar-for-dollar.
He said the interchange would significantly reduce local congestion and become a cornerstone of the Epping employment precinct.
“No more congestion headaches – Labor’s plan will ease the pressure on the roads and boost local jobs,” Mr Andrews said.
“We’re building Mernda rail and we’re fixing local roads because Danielle Green has been on the case. She’s the voice this area needs.”
A Labor government would commit $16.3 million towards the O’Herns Road interchange and $24.4 million towards to O’Herns Road duplication.
This represents a third of the funding needed for the diamond interchange. If elected, Labor would seek help from the federal government and Whittlesea council to cover the remaining costs.
Mr Andrews’ pledge to duplicate Yan Yean Road is hinged upon the declaration of Yan Yean Road north of Kurrak Road as a state road.
He said a Labor government would work with councils on the appropriate timing and implementation of the new declaration.
