No love for further duplication

The Killara Road and Maroondah Highway intersection in Coldstream.

By Casey Neill

 The State Government passed calls for roads funding in Coldstream back to its federal counterparts.

Casey MP Tony Smith on 7 February announced $20 million in federal funding to bring two sets of traffic lights to the town and duplicate the Maroondah Highway from the Melba Highway to Ingram Road.

Locals, including the Coldstream Fire Brigade captain, suggested the State Government should chip in cash to take the duplication through to the Warburton Highway.

The Mail asked the State Government whether it would consider duplicating the stretch, which is just under 2 kilometres.

A spokesperson said that any investment in local roads was welcome but “we now need a government in Canberra that is prepared to give Victoria its fair share”.

“Not just in an election year but each and every year,” they said.

“Whether it’s removing the Maroondah Highway level crossing, or improving safety on Mt Dandenong Tourist Road, we’re getting on with building the transport infrastructure our state needs.”