$100 million to kickstart North East Link construction

UPDATE: THREE routes for a new multi-billion dollar toll road, including tunnel and above ground options, are being considered for the “missing link” in Melbourne’s road network.

THREE routes for a new multi-billion dollar toll road, including tunnel and above ground options, are being considered for the “missing link” in Melbourne’s road network.

A map showing 24 geotechnical drilling sites has revealed there are three likely options for the planned North East Link, which the Andrews Government said would allow construction to start in 2019.

Premier Daniel Andrews on Wednesday announced $100 million to fund the business case and pre-construction works for the project, which will connect the Metropolitan Ring Road at Greensborough to either the Eastern Freeway or EastLink — depending on the route chosen.

The map of geotechnical sites shows at least three main options including:

CONNECTING EastLink in Ringwood to the Ring Rd, through Melbourne’s outer-east via Chirnside Park and Kangaroo Ground;

CONNECTING EastLink in Ringwood to the Ring Rd, via Eltham and Warrandyte, or;

CONNECTING the Eastern Freeway at Bulleen to the Ring Rd, via Watsonia.

The three suggested routes for the North East Link.

Premier Daniel Andrews said the experts would look at the best options based on technical studies, and the total cost was anywhere between $5 billion and $10 billion.

Mr Andrews said the alignment would be decided on before next year’s election.

“That’s why we will do the planning, design, geotechnical work and the community consultation, business case development, the planning approvals and environmental effects statement and process,” Mr Andrews said.

He did not rule out the Federal government giving money to the project, but said he expected it would want to see a business case first.

The project would connect the Metropolitan Ring Road to the Eastern Freeway.

The North East Link project will connect two key roads.

MORE: Andrews Government commits to link

Opposition Leader Matthew Guy said there was still no guarantee on how much the project would cost.

He said the North East Link and the East West Link — which Mr Andrews dumped after coming to office despite contracts being signed — were both needed.

“Daniel Andrews has about the lowest level of credibility when it comes to building freeways in Victoria for any premier in our history,” Mr Guy said. “He’s the guy who spent $1.2 billion not to build the East West Link, now he says ‘Trust me, I’m going to build another one’.”

The RACV’s public policy general manager, Brian Negus, said the project was “the missing link” in connecting Melbourne’s suburbs.

“We also regard it as a road of national importance, so we think the federal government should also get into the kit and make sure they contribute to this key road,” he said.

[e-mail]

@Gallo_Ways