MP Bill Tilley says Hume Freeway-McKoy Street upgrade now ditched

The Opposition politician told Parliament on Wednesday March 22 that "last week the minister confirmed this project is roadkill".

Mr Tilley based his comment on a letter from Transport Minister Jacinta Allan citing a lack of money for the project from the federal government.

Then Prime Minister Scott Morrison first promised $64 million for the intersection in the lead-up to the 2019 election with a further $104 million added in 2020.

The state government said on Thursday March 23: "Last year a business case found that funding from the Morrison Government was significantly lower than what is required to deliver the project."

The federal government has a $210 million overall estimate to fix the intersection, which has a reduced speed of 80km/h due to safety risks.

Victoria had plans to fund the $42 million gap.

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Ms Allan's office failed to answer questions from The Border Mail about whether it had abandoned the project and what would happen to the Commonwealth money.

Federal Transport Minister Catherine King did not reply to The Border Mail.

Mr Tilley fears cash earmarked for the intersection will be spent in Melbourne.

"I have no doubt you will take this money and prop up one of these projects in Melbourne that are already massively over budget," he said.

"Tell me why you can find money for the city but not for the country. I will tell you why - you do not care."

Mr Tilley said the Victorian government had politicised road safety and created a "dog's breakfast" through modifications to the freeway.

"Trucks have to cross two lanes of traffic in 80 metres from a standing start if they want to get to the industrial area near McKoy Street," he said.

"This is an intersection that also sees people going to work and parents taking kids to school.

"It is a significant intersection.

"In fact it is a death trap."

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