TRAFFIC congestion on Footscray Rd is set to decrease when the Dynon Port Rail link is completed.
The link, which was launched last week, is expected to cost $120 million and will allow uninterrupted 24-hour road and rail access to the Port of Melbourne.
The current port rail line crosses Footscray Rd near the CityLink entry and trains crossing the road can delay traffic for five minutes or longer.
The new rail line will cross Footscray Rd also – from the port to Dynon Rd – but the tracks will be moved further west, closer to Footscray.
A road overpass with a gradual incline will be built over the rail line and two slip lanes will run off the overpass into the port complex.
John Luppino, Maribyrnong Council’s General Manager of Sustainable Development, said the council was yet to receive a detailed brief on the initiative from the Department of Infrastructure.
“We support any efforts to improve rail access to the port that will shift more trade off local roads and onto rail transportation,” he said.
“The changes to Footscray Rd will affect access to the City of Maribyrnong.”
The Dynon Port Rail Link project is jointly funded by the Federal Government, which will contribute $110 million, with the State Government and the Port of Melbourne making up the difference.
When Port of Melbourne Corporation chief executive Stephen Bradford was asked whether the project would reduce port truck traffic on local roads, he said it would not have an immediate impact.
“Potentially, but that would take some time,” he said.
“This is about the growth of the port.”
Mr Luppino added that the council was in the process of organising a briefings with State Government agencies to raise their concerns.
“We want to make sure Footscray Rd continues to provide a boulevard-style entrance to our city.
“Any works need to ensure that commuter and recreational cyclists, who currently use the cycle path, are still able to do so.
“We’re also seeking to make sure that measures will be in place to manage any disruptions to traffic during the construction period.”
Work on the project will begin later this year and is expected to be completed within four years.
