Elsie Lange
Questions about the long-awaited Bulla Bypass made their way into the Victorian parliament this month.
On June 7, independent Western Metropolitan MP Dr Catherine Cumming asked the government for any details of funding provided to the Bulla Bypass project in the 2022-23 budget, and an update on the bypass’ business case.
“I have been raising the issue of the Bulla Bypass for over three years, and I keep being told that options are being investigated,” Dr Cumming said.
“Surely those investigations must be complete by now. We need the funding within the budget.”
The bypass would require a new road built to connect Somerton Road and Sunbury Road, which has been discussed for some time.
It is understood the government is investing a total of $20 million for the development of the potential future of the bypass, and to secure planning and environmental approvals.
Responding to questions from Star Weekly, a government spokesperson said there was planning for the potential bypass to provide a connection between Sunbury, the northern suburbs of Melbourne and the airport.
“This development work is looking at ways to improve traffic flow and ease congestion in the northern suburbs, improve safety and improve amenity for Bulla and Sunbury residents.”
Major Road Projects Victoria (MRPV) is currently completing investigations, which includes traffic modelling, planning and environmental studies to inform the development of design options and scope and to gauge costs.
Hume councillor Jarrod Bell said he was excited to see the government had allocated $6.5 million in the 2020-21 budget to develop a business case for the project, and looked forward to seeing it released soon.
“I know this project will stack up, it just makes sense,” Cr Bell said.
“I call on both the federal and state governments to work together to make this an infrastructure priority for not only our community, but our state and our nation.”
In the upper house, Dr Cumming urged movement on the project, citing Sunbury’s projected population growth from 42,494 people to 86,000 in the next two decades, and the failure of existing infrastructure.
“The Sunbury South and Lancefield Road precinct structure plans have been approved, enabling the development of more than 19,000 additional dwellings,” Dr Cumming said.
“The vehicle volumes along the Sunbury–Bulla road are in excess of 25 000 vehicles per day… while the government has funded the duplication of the Sunbury–Bulla Road from Macedon Street, Sunbury, to Bulla, traffic comes to a standstill within the Bulla township.”
