Lanes abound

THE much-anticipated $36.8 million upgrade of Pound Road is on track for completion by the end of next year.
Roads and Ports Minister Tim Pallas last week visited the site, where the concrete deck was poured for the widened section of the bridge in Dandenong South.
Four additional lanes over the South Gippsland Freeway will be made possible after the widening of the bridge, which will result in three westbound, two eastbound and two right-turn lanes.
Mr Pallas said Pound Road was a “vital transport route”.
More than 30,000 vehicles use the Pound Road overpass each day, including 4000 trucks.
“The pouring of the concrete deck is a fantastic sign of progress on this key project for the area, which will service growth in and around Dandenong South and Hallam, and reduce the cost of road freight movements to and from the nearby industrial precinct,” Mr Pallas said.
Narre Warren South MP Judith Graley said safety would be improved when the upgrades were finished.
“With ongoing industrial development in the area, it’s crucial our improved road network meets the current and future traffic needs and support local jobs and growth,” Ms Graley said.