Somerton Road in need of duplication
Published on 16 November 2022
Hume City Council is still calling on the Victorian Government to duplicate Somerton Road from Roxburgh Park Drive to Mickleham Road.
Somerton Road (linked to Cooper Street) is an important West-East road link in the Northern Growth Corridor.
It connects fast growing residential areas, such as Greenvale and Epping, with health services (including the Northern Hospital), train stations, shopping centres, the Hume Highway, the Epping Wholesale Fruit and Vegetable Market and provides an important alternative route to Melbourne Airport (via Mickleham Road).
Somerton Road is currently duplicated between the Hume Highway and Roxburgh Park Drive. Vehicles and cyclists travelling further west must negotiate a single carriageway to Mickleham Road.
Around 25,000 vehicles per day use this section of Somerton Road, and often bring traffic to a standstill. An undivided road also poses significant safety concerns when traffic volumes reach this level.
Additionally, the time people spend in their cars on congested roads lessens the time they can spend with their family and friends.
The growth taking place in Greenvale (population predicted to double by 2036) and Craigieburn (population predicted to increase by 50 per cent by 2036) has led to the demand for Aitken Boulevard.
Aitken Boulevard provides a more direct route between Craigieburn, Roxburgh Park, Broadmeadows and Melbourne Airport; but is also increasing pressure on Somerton Road.
Importantly, a duplicated Somerton Road will improve access to jobs and connections between the Cooper Street employment precinct and Melbourne Airport.
Government investment in Somerton Road will alleviate current traffic congestion and mitigate the implications of future population growth in this important part of Melbourne’s north.
Get involved by helping us advocate and contact your local member by accessing the relevant contact info listed under 'Somerton Road Duplication' located here.
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