A FEDERAL Coalition election promise to provide funding for the east-west link has been welcomed by lobby group LeadWest.
Opposition Leader Tony Abbott and infrastructure and transport spokesman Warren Truss announced a plan to provide $1.5billion for the project.
The funding is part of a $4billion plan to reduce traffic congestion in Melbourne, Sydney and Brisbane.
Mr Abbott said the project would ease traffic congestion around Melbourne.
The state government has already begun planning the project, which will link the Western Ring Road at Laverton North with the Eastern Freeway at Clifton Hill.
LeadWest chief executive Anton Mayer welcomed the pledge but urged Mr Abbott to fund the western end of the project first.
“For us, we think the western part is more important because it is about ensuring the viability and growth of the Port of Melbourne and improving truck movements and the amenity in Melbourne’s west,” he said.
Prime Minister and Lalor MP Julia Gillard said the project would require real money and real timelines, neither of which was being offered by Mr Abbott.
