Ms SPENCE (Yuroke) — (Question 771) My constituency question is to the Minister for Roads and Road Safety. Hume City Council has recently released data that indicates a massive increase in vehicle movements on Mickleham, Craigieburn and Somerton roads in my electorate. This data affirms residents’ perceptions of rapidly increasing congestion on these roads. Addressing these concerns is a priority for my community and important for both the alleviation of congestion and improving road safety. As such, I ask the minister to provide me with information as to what measures can be taken to address these concerns. I understand that a study is being undertaken by Hume City Council and VicRoads in regard to Craigieburn Road, and I would also appreciate an update as to what that review involves and how it is progressing.

RESPONSE:

I am informed that, as at the date the question was raised:

Mickleham Road

Mickleham Road is a primary north-south arterial road in Melbourne’s outer north, which provides a connection between Tullamarine and Mickleham. The Metropolitan Planning Authority’s (MPA) North Growth Corridor Plan identifies Mickleham Road as a key route that will support development in the northern growth area.

VicRoads has recently completed a planning investigation of the Mickleham Road Corridor between Somerton Road and Donnybrook Road in close consultation with the Hume City Council, Public Transport Victoria (PTV) and the MPA. The investigation has identified the road reservation requirements for a six-lane cross section of Mickleham Road, which will include off-road walking and cycling facilities in both directions.

Craigieburn Road

VicRoads is also working closely with the Hume City Council on a Corridor Study for Craigieburn Road.

The purpose of the study is to identify a suitable road layout that meets the future vehicle traffic, pedestrian, bicycle and public transport requirements for the length of Craigieburn Road between the Hume Highway and the future Outer Metropolitan Ring Road. The Study will also assist in determining priorities for future investment.

VicRoads provided comments to the Hume City Council in late August 2015, regarding the draft Craigieburn Road Functional Design Working Paper.

A second stakeholder Design Workshop, which VicRoads will be a part of, has been scheduled for early October 2015.

The Study, which is jointly funded by the Hume City Council and VicRoads, commenced in June 2015 and is expected to be completed by late 2015.

Somerton Road

Sufficient road reservation is available for the future widening of Somerton Road between Roxburgh Park Drive and Mickleham Road to provide for a six lane cross section.

Hon Luke Donnellan MP
Minister for Roads and Road Safety