Future Traffic Needs

What we are asking

$2.5 million for a planning/feasibility study and business case to help understand the current and future road

transport needs of the southern Peninsula community and the best options to meet future demands.

The study will address the long-standing impacts of traffic demand that undermine connectivity and accessibility for residents, visitors, and businesses on the southern Peninsula.

It will examine the potential for improvements to existing roads/road corridors, including ‘no build’ options for active traffic management or a new road using the existing Mornington Peninsula Freeway reserve.

The feasibility study will include:

• traffic modelling of current and projected demand, road capacity and travel times under different scenarios
• an investigation of options and the development of preliminary concepts
• a strategic assessment of the available alternatives and the social, economic, and environmental factors, including the impact on the environmental values and long-term management of the Tootgarook Wetlands.
• a study of all methods of moving people and managing demand – including the impact of improved public transport services and the use of ‘smart’ technologies as a way of reducing/managing congestion.

What makes this unique

Rye, Tootgarook and Capel Sound are all impacted by gridlocked traffic conditions at peak times.

Traffic congestion increases business costs and reduces productivity. It also significantly impacts the health and wellbeing of our community.

Current road limitations are an emergency management risk, e.g. during a bushfire quick and safe evacuation and access for emergency services are critical.

Township improvements are constrained by Point Nepean Road being both the main through traffic route and the major access road to our coastal townships.

Projects such as streetscape plans, pedestrian and cyclist safety measures and the creation of new public spaces are hampered by the need to maintain the arterial through traffic function of Point Nepean Road.

We need to resolve the conflict between the movement and place functions of Point Nepean Road while also considering the long-term impacts of climate change on major infrastructure near the coast.

Pressure on the southern Peninsula road network is expected to increase significantly over the next 20 years, driven by a projected increase in the permanent population and more visitors. Given the substantial lead times for major road investment, it is important to establish clear strategies, time frames and trigger points to address access issues on the southern Peninsula.

To reduce the impact of current and projected long-term congestion on residents and visitors to the southern Peninsula, there is a need to alleviate significant pinch points on existing arterial roads, particularly:

Significant amenity improvements to townships along Point Nepean Road are also urgently needed.

We also need to reduce carbon emissions by reducing vehicle congestion and providing more effective rapid transit bus links.

We need to establish definitive transport plans that are evidence-based and will provide a strong framework for future infrastructure investment decisions.

NOTE: The preparation of a business case may require a decision by State Government on the need for a formal Environmental Effects Statement, particularly if the option of a new road within the current Freeway Reservation is still considered a feasible alternative.