NORTH East Link could become a reality with both the federal Liberal and Labor parties pledging $5 million towards studies if elected on July 2.

Liberal Jagajaga candidate David Mulholland promised the cash for a an options study into the major project if re-elected in an announcement made today.

Labor Jagajaga MP Jenny Macklin has pledged to put the money into a North East Link feasibility study.

Leader previously reported Banyule and neighbouring Nillumbik councils were at odds over the contested location with both municipalities not wanting to see the major project go through their area.

MISSING LINK HAS NEIGHBOURS AT ODDS

This announcement comes as Leader readers reacted angrily to a move by VicRoads to allow over-dimensional trucks down the already congested Rosanna Rd.

There are two main options previously discussed, which include a path through, or underneath Banyule, linking at the Bulleen entrance to the freeway, or a route through Nillumbik and Manningham which connects to the EastLink tunnel at Ringwood.

Mr Mulholland said up to 40,000 vehicles a day travel between the two freeways through roads in Banyule, Manningham and Nillumbik.

“It’s important we get on with planning work now so the early work is done and the right details is available to governments to make informed and responsible decisions around the delivery of the project,” he said.

media_camera Jagajaga Liberal candidate David Mulholland on the bridge that crosses the Ring Rd in Greensborough. Picture: Josie Hayden

Ms Macklin said Melbourne needed a long-term solution to traffic congestion in the north east and to get trucks off suburban streets, including Rosanna Rd.

“That’s why Labor is committing $5 million to examine building a North East Link,” Ms Macklin said.

She said traffic congestion on Rosanna Rd, Lower Plenty Rd, Fitzsimmons Lane and Greensborough Highway was a major problem and the suburban road network was inadequate, congested and dangerous.

This also comes as State Ivanhoe Labor MP Anthony Carbines announced $850,000 for safety upgrades along Rosanna Rd.

Resolve Rosanna Road president Natasha Reifschneider said the project was needed to complete the ring in the metropolitan ring road and provide a freeway designed to carry freight around the city.

“The project will allow local roads such as Rosanna Rd to function as arterial roads, not default freeways,” Ms Reifschneider said.

She said the link would remove the conflict and safety issues between freight, vehicles, pedestrians and cyclists all using Rosanna Rd, which was not designed for that purpose.

“The North East Link options study … will remove the issue of State members failing to act on the project in fear of losing their seat if the freeway alignment was to go through their electorate,” Ms Reifschneider said.

“Resolve Rosanna Road endorses the action of any political party to progress the options study for North East Link project.”