More lanes for Monash

EXTRA lanes on the Monash Freeway near Jacksons Road will open in April 2009.
The announcement was made on Saturday as the State Government officially opened the part of the $1.39 billion Monash Freeway upgrade that has slowed the motorway to 80km/h in most parts.
The 3.5 kilometre, fourth outbound lane between Warrigal and Forster Roads opened last weekend, and is the first completed section of the project.
Roads and Ports Minister Tim Pallas said there was more to do before other parts opened.
“This new lane will give drivers the first taste of how the new M1 will operate,” he said.
“Motorists will be able to use the new outbound lane as improvement works progress along the entire route.
“When the project is complete there will be a new lane in each direction on the Monash Freeway, from the CityLink tunnels all the way out to Heatherton Road.
“The extra lanes on the entire section between Jacksons and Warrigal Road are due to open by April next year, with the all sections due to open by the end of 2009.”
Mr Pallas said the M1 was the state’s busiest road and was only getting busier.
“The M1 currently carries traffic volumes in excess of 160,000 vehicles each day, including 20,000 trucks,” Mr Pallas said.
“In the last four years, this has increased by five per cent each year.
“With our freight task expected to double by 2030, and our ever-growing south-eastern suburbs, this major upgrade is crucial to the economic prosperity of our state.
“When completed, this upgrade will not only improve safety but also increase the road’s efficiency and reliability.”