Melbourne Auslink urban draft foresees road and rail enhancements

<p>Increased capacity on east-west freeways and an additional bi-directional dual gauge rail line into the Port of Melbourne are two of a range of initiatives identified in the newly released 38-page draft Auslink urban corridor strategy for Melbourne.</p> <p>Prepared by the federal Department of Transport and Regional Services, Victorian Department of Infrastructure and VicRoads and building on plans already devised by the state, the draft takes a broad approach to the city’s projected transport needs for the next 25 years.</p> <p>This includes plans for increasing public transport and catering for a growing population, rather than focusing solely on commercial transport infrastructure.</p> <p>On the roads, means bigger and better arterial roads in urban and suburban areas, a strengthened West Gate Bridge, increased use of IT in transport and logistics and greater efficiency in the Dynon-Port precinct.</p> <p>A host of rail improvements, many of which involve solving gauge problems, will include reinstatement of the Webb Dock rail link, a direct dual gauge link between the sidings at Patrick’s and P&#38O’s stevedoring terminals, and more and longer port sidings.</p> <p>Longer term, progressive implementation of the alternative east-west route and road and standard-gauge rail transport links to the Port of Hasting are amongst several strategic priorities.</p> <p>The draft can be viewed at: http:&#47&#47www.auslink.gov.au&#47publications&#47reports&#47pdf&#47melbourne_urban_corridor_strategy.pdf.</p> <br />