Victorian public has strong doubts about east-west link.  Adam Carey, The Age, November 28, 2013

Just one in four Victorians believe the Napthine government’s signature project, the east-west link, is more important than improving public transport.

Twelve months before the next state election, an Age/Nielsen poll of 1000 voters reveals just 23 per cent believe building the east-west link road tunnel is a bigger priority than improving public transport, which is the option favoured by 74 per cent of respondents.

The poll result will pile further pressure on the Coalition, which is struggling to communicate its policy agenda above the chaos of State Parliament. The 5.2-kilometre east-west link between the Eastern Freeway and CityLink is the biggest project the Napthine government has undertaken. It argues the link is essential to prevent Melbourne being crippled by congestion, and will reduce peak-hour traffic by up to 30 per cent on many notoriously clogged arterial roads. It also argues the road will improve tram travel in the inner north, because five tram routes that intersect with Alexandra Parade will get a better run.

The road has been endorsed by powerful lobbying voices including the construction unions, the RACV and business group the Victorian Employers’ Chamber of Commerce and Industry.

Yet, the wider public evidently remains sceptical of the east-west link’s benefits. This poll’s clear, stated preference for better public transport over a single major road project is a demographic puzzle that threatens to trip up the government in its first term. Continue Reading…