Labor commits $550m for freeway upgrade in Melbourne's outer west
Extra traffic lanes will be part of the Western Freeway upgrade between Melton and Caroline Springs. (Supplied: Engage Victoria)
Traffic congestion in Melbourne's outer west is the target of Labor's latest commitment ahead of the state election, with a pledge to spend $550 million upgrading the Western Freeway.
The funds to improve the section of freeway between the fast-growing areas of Melton and Caroline Springs are in addition to $1 billion promised by the Commonwealth government ahead of the 2025 election.
Under the plan, interchanges at Ferris Road, Leakes Road and Hopkins Road would be upgraded, alongside a new half interchange at Mount Cottrell Road giving local traffic direct access on and off the freeway.
"I said as a new premier my first task is to listen to what Victorians' needs are," Premier Ben Carroll said.
"They told me very clearly they wanted a relentless focus on the basics and there was nothing more important than getting our road infrastructure right and making sure hard-working Victorians can spend less time in traffic and get to spend more time with their families."
Premier Ben Carroll says the freeway funding pledge is part of a "relentless focus on the basics". (ABC News)
He said the upgrade would see 30 kilometres of new lanes, with up to four lanes in both directions, and the speed limit would consistently be 100 km/h across the upgraded sections.
Mr Carroll said planning for the project was already underway with the federal money, and the promise represented Victoria "coming to the table as well".
As the November state election approaches, Melton City Council has been advocating for new train stations and major road upgrades to help alleviate pressure on existing railway stations and the busy section of freeway.
Upgrading the Western Freeway is among a suite of road infrastructure improvements the council has been calling for as the area's population increases by 6.61 per cent per annum — more than triple the Melbourne average of 2 per cent.
In documents outlining its advocacy on the issue, the council has stated that "major arterial roads in the City of Melton are not suitable for the existing high volume of traffic".
"They are predominantly of a rural standard with unsealed shoulders, no public lighting, open drains and non-existent bike and pedestrian paths."
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