<p>A major plank that is geared to improving the efficiency of port operations in Melbourne was put in place this morning (Friday, April 21) with the formal launch of the Dynon Port Rail Link project which, once completed, will deliver uninterrupted 24-hour road and rail access to the port.</p> <p>It will also significantly reduce congestion on Footscray Road, one of Melbourne’s busiest thoroughfares.</p> <p>The project will receive $110m in Federal Government AusLink funding towards the total cost of the project, which is estimated to be more than $120m.</p> <p>The Victorian Government and the Port of Melbourne Corporation will contribute the remaining funds towards the project.</p> <p>As part of the project, a six-lane overpass will be built to carry Footscray Road over a newly built railway line. Other rail and signalling works will also be carried out.</p> <p>Federal transport minister Warren Truss, who launched the project this morning with his state counterpart Peter Batchelor, said this was the first rail project to receive AusLink funding since the scope of the national transport plan had changed under new arrangements.</p> <p>Previously, AusLink funds had exclusively gone to road projects.</p> <p>Mr Batchelor said he expected construction to start later this year. </p> <br />
