Drivers travelling the Western Freeway at Rockbank will enjoy safer conditions with the opening of the new Leakes Road freeway interchange, eliminating a blackspot intersection in Melbourne’s outer western suburbs.
Member for Melton, Don Nardella marked the opening the $16.7 million project which has been jointly funded by the Australian and Victorian Governments.
“The new Leakes Road interchange will improve safety and access on this vital route which connects communities in Melbourne’s west and links to regional growth centres including Bacchus Marsh and Ballarat,” Mr Nardella said.
“With the Leakes Road intersection eliminated accident risks will be significantly reduced as drivers to and from Rockbank no longer needing to turn or cross in front of busy freeway traffic.
“In coming days the new two-lane bridge will open to carry Leakes Road traffic across the Western Freeway, with a full-diamond interchange giving access in all directions to and from the freeway.
”Safer and easier access will be welcomed by freeway drivers and local families who use Leakes Road to access the nearby pre-school centre, community hall and sports facilities.
”Safer and easier access will be welcomed by freeway drivers and local families who use Leakes Road."
Federal MP, Brendan O’Connor welcomed progress at Leakes Road interchange with these safety improvements completed on time and on budget.
“This latest improvement represents a significant investment to provide safer and more efficient road access on the National Highway network between Melbourne and Adelaide,” Mr O’Connor said.
“By mid-2009 the nearby Deer Park Bypass will also be open providing a freeway-standard link between the Ring Road and the Western Highway at Caroline Springs.
“Detailed investigations are also nearing completion for the planned Western Freeway realignment at Anthony’s Cutting between Melton and Bacchus Marsh.
“The Rudd and Brumby Governments are working in partnership to provide infrastructure, reduce congestion and improve safety along critical freight corridors such as the Western Freeway,”
“I would also like to pay tribute to those in the community who campaigned long and hard to have this interchange built," Mr O’Connor said.
Reduced speed limits will continue to operate for a few weeks on the Western Freeway through the work zone while final works are completed including removing the old intersection and landscape planting.
The Leakes Road interchange construction has been managed by VicRoads with a $16.7 million contract awarded to Cut and Fill Pty Ltd.