'Massive new freeways' will make cities liveable: Abbott

05/10/2012 - Massive new freeways across Sydney and Melbourne will help keep them liveable, says Opposition Leader Tony Abbott.

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Abbott used Wednesday's traffic chaos in Melbourne to call for more federal funding to such large transport infrastructure projects.

"Melbourne suffered traffic gridlock," Abbott told reporters in the city on Thursday.

"It's very important the national government fund nationally important infrastructure."

He said the coalition government had already committed to $1.5 billion for Melbourne's proposed East-West link and the same amount for a M4 East motorway extension, connecting western Sydney to the city and airport.

"These are vital pieces of national infrastructure," he said.

"They are very important if we are to have liveable cities in the 21st century."

The Burnley and Domain tunnels, which run under the Yarra River to bypass the CBD, were closed for 12 hours from 4.30am (AEST) on Wednesday after a computer glitch.

Tollway operator CityLink promised not to charge motorists a toll until the tunnels were operating again.

The incident reignited calls for a 18km East-West link, which would connect the Eastern Freeway to CityLink, the Port of Melbourne and to the M80 Ring Road.

Senior federal minister Bill Shorten in August said the project was not "our top priority" for funding, while the state government has committed $15 million towards developing a business case.

Source: AAP

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Have your say...

Greg Patterson | 5/10/2012 14:42 1

Obviously Bill Shorten does not drive from the Tullamarine Freeway across to the Eastern Freeway, sadly both freeways are excellent in their own right. The connection during the day is an absolute disgrace. We keep hearing about the feasability of the link but NEVER see anything done. Its about 10 years too late .Please do something about the LINK NOW !!!!!!

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