IT looks like it is full speed ahead for the construction of the Mordialloc Bypass linking the Mornington Peninsula Freeway in Aspendale Gardens to the Dingley Bypass in Dingley Village.
Two contractors have been shortlisted to build the $375 million project.
The Mordialloc Bypass, to be a freeway, will stretch nine kilometres and the state government says drivers will save up to 10 minutes each way between the Mornington Peninsula Freeway and Dingley Bypass.
“We’re getting on with it – just weeks ago, we announced further funding to upgrade the Mordialloc Bypass to a freeway standard and now we’ve shortlisted contractors to tender for this exciting project,” Mordialloc Labor MP Tim Richardson said.
CPB/Seymour Whyte Joint Venture and McConnell/Decmil Joint Venture are the contractors shortlisted for the roads infrastructure contract.
There is some opposition to the four-lane freeway amid environmental concerns.
The Residents Against the Mordialloc Freeway (RAMF) group is worried about the possible impact on the nearby environmentally sensitive RAMSAR-listed Edithvale-Seaford Wetlands.
The group is also concerned about any impact on Braeside Park.
“We want to show the politicians, there is growing concern against this Mordialloc Freeway. The cost to the Freeway being built, which will be redundant within 10 short years is too great and the environment is the huge loser here,” RAMF president Scott Fothergill said.
“RAMF call on the state government to release the full feasibility and business case for the road, as this road and its benefits, despite sweeping statements from the government, we are certain just don’t add up under further scrutiny.
“If they are so confident of the benefits, we again ask the government to provide us with the data to show the roads benefits in the longer term.”
RAMF is hosting a community day with a range of speakers at Braeside Park on Sunday 27 May, 2-4pm “to welcome all those concerned about the Mordialloc Freeway and its impact on our local environment, amenities and health”.
Building work is due to start on the Mordialloc Freeway bypass next year and will be open to traffic by the end of 2021.
First published in the Chelsea Mordialloc Mentone News – 23 May 2018
