Mel -Boring

West Gate safety under the microscope
The West Gate Bridge is undergoing its biggest safety review since opening in 1978, as VicRoads concedes it has reached capacity. The safety review, the first component of a three-part VicRoads investigation into alternatives to cope with growing traffic volumes, has uncovered some small cracks in the bridge and minor rusting of bolts.

Inspirational spending

Editorial -The excuses public authorities use to justify spending taxpayers' and ratepayers' money are ingenious and varied. The latest examples are in a report to be considered tonight by the Melbourne City Council finance committee. They involve the spending by councillors and staff of almost $1 million over the past three years on travel. One planner embarked on a $20,000 global study of 'green' buildings. Other destinations were a Russian flower arranging festival, a yacht race in Japan, and a tour of Copenhagen's bicycle facilities.

More reactionary whinging courtesy of the Hun

Scoresby anger will hit Vic poll: Doyle

Voter anger over tolls on the planned Scoresby Freeway in Melbourne's east will hold over to a Victorian election in 2006, state Opposition leader Robert Doyle says.

Road alarm

Victorian Police are alarmed at a 50 per cent climb in pedestrian deaths. In the most recent a Mentone man, 78, was killed as he crossed the Nepean Highway at Cheltenham. His wife, 82, was in a critical condition at the Alfred hospital. Forty-two pedestrians have been killed this year, compared with 28 at the same time last year.

More funds announced for Calder Highway

The Victorian Government has approved more money for work on the Calder Highway. Transport Minister Peter Batchelor says another $53 million has been released for the Kyneton to Faraday section, on top of state money already spent since 2002. He says all the planning is finished, expressions of interest are being sought, and tenders will be called as soon as the Federal Government puts in its share.