THE LONG ROAD TO DUMPING THE EAST WEST LINK:
BEGINNINGS
1999 - Tunnel linking Eastern and Tullamarine freeways is proposed.
2003 - Discussed in Northern Central City Corridor Study.
2008 - Recommended in a transport needs report by Sir Rod Eddington.
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2012 - The Baillieu government budgets $15 million to examine the business case.
2013 - Premier Denis Napthine commits to East West Link stage one.
2014 - September 9, East West Connect consortium (Lend Lease, Capella Capital, Acciona and Bouygues) is named the preferred bidder.
- September 11, the Labor opposition says it will not build the tollway even if contracts are signed, and will not pay compensation.
- September 29, the Napthine government signs the $5.3 billion stage one contract, and a side-letter for $1.1 billion compensation if the project is scrapped.
ENDINGS
2014 - November 29 - Labor wins the state election.
- December, Premier Daniel Andrews orders a halt to work and releases the business case showing benefit-cost ratio was 45 cents for every $1 spent.
2015
February - the Andrews government says payment to the consortium will be limited to costs incurred.
April 14 - French and Spanish embassies raise concerns over impact on companies.
April 15 - Government says it will pay $339 million, and end East West Link.
