By Laura Michell
Funding for a northern roads package is urgent, according to the mayors of Whittlesea, Hume and Mitchell.
In the lead-up to the federal election the northern mayors are calling on the federal government and opposition to improve roads in their municipalities and help unlock the north’s potential.
They say the package would improve access to jobs, investment and create more liveable communities.
The mayors say residents in Whittlesea, Hume and Mitchell spend increasing amounts of time trying to navigate freeways and arterial roads that are gridlocked.
They want funding for a Hume Freeway diamond interchange at Wallan, the E6 Freeway and the duplication of Mickleham Road and Somerton Road.
Whittlesea mayor Lawrie Cox said the proposed 23-kilometre E6 freeway would connect the Hume Freeway with the M80 Ring Road, easing congestion on Whittlesea’s arterial roads.
He has called on the government and opposition to commit to building the road by 2031.
“The population in the City of Whittlesea is expected to grow by 159,000 people in the next 20 years and the majority of this growth will occur within the E6 corridor, placing even more pressure on our road network,” he said.
Hume mayor Carly Moore said Mickleham Road and Somerton Road needed duplicating yesterday.
“Despite the significant growth alongside both these roads, they still retain single lanes in parts, causing serious bottlenecks and congestion for travellers,” she said.
