Transurban has proposed an increase in the speed limit on one of CityLink’s busiest stretches. Mahalia Dobson writes.
In an effort to get the notoriously congested section between the Domain Tunnel and the Monash Freeway moving faster, the road management and development corporation has asked to raise the speed limit from 80 km/h to 100 km/h.
For those peak-hour travellers, the monotonous and stagnant drive on both the Monash Freeway and CityLink, is likely to continue, with this proposal focusing solely on reducing travel times overnight, during off-peak times.
General Manager of Public Policy at RACV, Brian Negus says this proposal does not go far enough. He says the credibility of speed limits is the driving force of these recommended reforms.
“If you look at the freeway it was designed for 100 km/h… We believe the speed limit should be retained via [Vic Roads’] Smart Freeway management system they’ve got in place to make sure the speed limits are credible to motorists”, he says.
While Transurban are campaigning for a speed limit hike between the hours of 8pm and 6am, the RAVC say this particular section of road should be variable, depending on traffic conditions.
Negus argues a speed limit of 90 km/h should dominate the day.
This proposal and the debate lead by the VicRoads, the RAVC and the Victorian Government may in fact be a ‘rev’ in the right direction.
Minister for Roads and Safety, Luke Donnellan’s advisor, Jeremy Ratcliffe, says the safety of motorists is paramount.
“Any decision Luke (Donnellan) makes will be made keeping road safety at the forefront of his mind,” he says.
The RACV has also been in discussions with the State Government, VicRoads and Transurban about how to maximise drivers’ safety, particularly during these overnight periods.
Mr Negus says the implementation of these increased speed limits is not dependent on the application of a new bridge across the Maribyrnong River, a new connection to the Port of Melbourne or the widening of the West Gate Freeway.
