Context

Presently, there are just two roads to connect the Eastern and Western suburbs, Monash and the
Eastern freeway. The population of Melbourne is growing annually. Only two links connecting east and
wesr may not be enough for the future. Some planning is needed if congestion during the peak hours is
to be reduced and commute times are to be lowered. Moreover, the Western suburbs are falling behind
in business and job growth compared to the Eastern suburbs. Building a suitable and efficient transport
system will solve these problems.
Problem Statement
I want to bring attention of State Government of Victoria to the best options for transport connections
between the Western and Eastern suburbs of Melbourne. This will not only reduce congestion on the
roads during the peak hours, but also will promote the growth of business and jobs in the Western
suburbs.
Measurement Criteria
SOLUTIONS Economic
Cost
Maintenance
Cost
Expected
Demand
Feasibility Effect on
Environment
1. Rail Tunnel Very High High High HIghest Good
2. Road
Connection
High Medium High High Bad
3. Public
Transport
Very Low High High Low Bad
4. Improving
existing Roads
Low Low High Low Good

Explanation
Building a rail tunnel between East and West would require a large initial investment but it is the most
sustainable and the most feasible solution. It will help keep the traffic off the roads and will be the
fastest way to travel from East to West. However, it might require acquiring new land to build the tunnel
which may result in displacing the population that is living in and around the area. Therefore, it requires
thorough planning before actual implementation.
Building a new free way from East to West will distribute the traffic over the three roads, thus reducing
the congestion during the peak hours. Initial investment is high but its lower than building the rail
tunnel. Building a new road would also require clearing the land which may prove to be a hurdle.
Setting up a new public transport will also help reduce traffic and take the people to their jobs. It is the
most affordable solution. The only drawback the public transport system has is that it will require
constant maintenance.
If we can widen the existing two roads, that may provide some relief to the congestion. We would not
have to clear area for the new systems and the cost will also be less than building a new road.
Individual Research
I have chosen to research on building a new freeway from East to West. There are currently, a lot of
issues regarding the building of the road such as political differences, cost issues, environmental issues
which I will be discussing in my report in detail. I will discuss the benefits of building the free way in
detail and will also be provide a feasibility report.