Liberal Party promise $80 million for Dorset Rd extension

Drivers in Melbourne’s outer east have for decades used neighbourhood streets as rat runs to bypass traffic jams. But that could finally be over, with the Liberals promising $80 million for the vital Dorset Rd extension.

The intersection of Dorset Rd and Burwood Highway Ferntree Gully. Picture: Lawrence Pinder

A project more than 30 years in the making could finally become a reality, with the Liberals promising $80 million for a vital road extension through Knox.

Aston federal Liberal MP Alan Tudge announced the cash to finally build the Dorset Rd extension, a project that has been on the books for decades.

Mr Tudge said it would make a huge difference to local traffic, and take cars off suburban streets in Ferntree Gully as people do the “rat-run” to avoid Glenfern Rd.

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“The existing plans have Dorset Rd extending from Burwood Highway down the existing reservation to Napoleon Rd and then onto Lysterfield Rd,” Mr Tudge said.

He said the project would cost between $49 million and $80 million.

“We have allocated the full $80 million so there is no excuse not to build it,” he said.

“The money would be provided to the State Government who would then build it. Given the fact that it is fully funded, the planning can start immediately.”

Mr Tudge last month also announced $50 million for Napoleon Rd to be duplicated from Lysterfield Rd to Kelletts Rd.

He said it was likely the State Government would build the Dorset Rd extension and Napoleon Rd as one project.

When asked what would happen to the project if the Liberals lost the federal election, Mr Tudge said the $80 million was locked in the budget as a decision of government.

“This is different to an election promise,” he said.

“However, if Labor won government, they could potentially cancel the project, just as they cancelled the East West Link. A Liberal Government guarantees it happening.”

He said there would be a detailed consultation process over a long period to determine the precise details of the project.