Business case for North East Link released

The business case for Victoria’s North East Link has been released and will deliver 10,300 jobs during construction according to the Victorian Government.

It also shows how it aims to improve Melbourne’s north east, with access to 56,000 new job opportunities and deliver $12.5 billion in gross state product to the state economy.

According to the Victorian Government, the project will deliver $1.30 to the Victorian economy for every dollar invested, with a benefit to cost ratio of $1.40 per dollar when wider economic benefits such as freight connections are considered.

The project aims to take 15,000 trucks off local roads and cut travel times by up to 30 minutes.

It also aims to take 32,000 vehicles per day off Greensborough Road, 14,000 off Fitzsimons lane, 9000 off Rosanna Road and 8000 off Manningham Road.

The business case studies found that there would be around 100 fewer cashes each year on local roads, and the new Doncaster Busway will deliver 30 per cent travel time savings for busses.

Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews said the project will give local roads back to local residents.

“People have talked about this project for decades but the time for talk is over. We’re ready to put this massive, congestion busting project out to market within 100 days after the election,” he said.

Minister for Roads and Road Safety Luke Donnellan said the Victorian Government were taking this project to an election, so Victorians can have their say.

“The business case shows that North East Link will relieve congestion throughout the north east – taking thousands of cars a day off key arterials like Greensborough Road, Fitzsimons Lane, Rosanna Road and Manningham Road,” he said.