By Jessica Micallef
The Calder Action Group president wants “more action and less talk” when it comes to a safer Calder Freeway.
President Russell Mowatt is renewing the group’s call for Calder Freeway upgrades, including building an overpass at Calder Park Drive.
Mr Mowatt said the changing speed limits from 80km/h to 100km/h and the “dangerous” Calder Park Drive entry and exit was of a major concern.
“People want the 80km/h zone lifted,” he said.
“Then there is the Calder Park Drive overpass. The way people have to exit the freeway now, they all just sit off the shoulder. It’s very dangerous.”
In February 2019, the federal government committed $50 million to upgrade the Calder Freeway, including adding extra lanes between Gap Road, Sunbury and the M80 Ring Road.
Mr Mowatt said it was disappointing the freeway was in the same state as it was two years ago when the funding announcement was made.
“The state government has to work in partnership with the federal government,” he said.
“The federal government has come on board and we are getting no response.
“We need some action, less talk and financial commitment
“We pay our taxes and we want investments back into the roads. All we see is suburbs as far as the eye can see, but not infrastructure and no roads.”
Mr Mowatt said car accidents on the freeway were “only going to get worse” if the state government continued to ignore the issue.
“Accidents are still occurring and it’s only a matter of time before something serious happens,” he said.
“We started this group back in 2007 and we’ve had some good outcomes with the Kings Road overpass, but ever since then, we have gotten no where.”
