Plans for a flyover at the McKoy Street-Hume Freeway intersection west of Wodonga could be shelved in favour of another location nearby.
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Detailed planning has been underway since April and The Border Mail can confirm another location for the flyover, south of the proposed site, is being examined closely.
It would eliminate conflicts with rail infrastructure and the service station near the existing intersection.
The federal government, which is committing $64 million to the project, is open to the option of building a flyover in a different location.
"The McKoy Street-Hume Freeway flyover project is certainly more complicated than meets the eye," Liberal Senator Jane Hume said.
"Proximity to the Sydney-Melbourne rail line, the service station and environmental factors have meant that considerable pre-construction works have been required before boots can hit the ground.
"If we can construct a flyover south of the existing intersection that saves money, enables the existing intersection to remain open during construction, and is a better long term option, we would be foolish not to."
The McKoy Street intersection works have been taken out of the hands of Regional Roads Victoria and moved to Major Road Projects Victoria.
"Major Road Projects Victoria is currently undertaking important planning work on behalf of the Australian Government to inform the development of this project," a MRPV spokesperson said.
"Planning and investigations will consider upgrading the intersection where the Hume Freeway meets McKoy Street and Old Barnawartha Road in Wodonga.
"The project is in the early planning and development phase with draft concept designs and cost estimates to be determined as part of the business case.
"Planning work is expected to be completed in 2022."
Project commencement, including the release of plans will be determined by government once the business case has been finalised, according to MRPV.
The present intersection was completed early last year with the area still under an 80km/h speed limit.
In addition to the alternative intersection being cheaper, the left-over funds could be used on other Hume Freeway connections.
They have been the subject of studies being undertaken by Regional Roads Victoria, formerly VicRoads, with Melbourne Road, Melrose Drive, High Street and Bandiana Link Road all under consideration.
"If this project can be achieved under budget, it makes sense to re-direct these funds to upgrading additional Hume Freeway intersections in Wodonga," Senator Hume said.
"This would be in step with the government's plan to get Australians home sooner and safer, make transport routes more efficient."
