Western Distributor people pop in

More than 200 Docklanders took the opportunity to visit the Western Distributor road project “pop-up” when it visited Harbour Esplanade between September 6 and 10.

Western Distributor Authority spokesperson Jim Carden said most people were keen to talk further about changes to traffic movements, active transport initiatives, and community health and amenity.

“Feedback received will be considered as part of the planning and development process,” Mr Carden said.

Mr Cardin said it was not yet known how much extra traffic would be diverted into Wurundjeri Way from Dynon Rd as part of the project.

“A thorough traffic impact assessment will be carried out as part of the Environmental Effects Statement and exhibited in the first quarter of 2017 for public comment,” he said.

However, he said no extra traffic would be entering the city as a result of the Western Distributor.

“The total number of car trips to and from the city remains almost constant, whether or not the Western Distributor is built,” he said. “Many people already make trips to reach health, education and employment opportunities north of Melbourne’s CBD, and will continue to do so.”

“Without the Western Distributor, these trips will be made on arterial roads like Footscray Rd, Dynon Rd, the M1 and through inner city streets which are already congested.”

“Wurundjeri Way will be extended north to provide an important CBD bypass route and widened to allow this route to cater for traffic, which will move off parallel CBD roads – particularly Spencer St and King St.”

“This creates opportunities to improve cycling, walking and public transport in the CBD.”

“By providing a vital second river crossing, the Western Distributor will take vehicles off the M1 and West Gate Bridge, reducing the number of kilometres travelled in the CBD.”