By Brendan Rees
Federal Labor Opposition Leader Bill Shorten has pledged to pour $65 million towards an upgrade of Thompsons Road if it wins the next election.
During a visit to the South East suburbs on Sunday 24 March, Mr Shorten joined Federal MP for Holt Anthony Byrne and Premier Daniel Andrews in announcing Labor’s $850 million infrastructure package to tackle traffic congestion.
Mr Shorten promised to complete an upgrade and duplication of the 10.7 kilometre stretch of Thompsons Road between Dandenong-Frankston Road and Berwick-Cranbourne Road, which will complement the removal of the level crossing near Merinda Park Railway Station.
Another project includes adding an extra lane in each direction to Narre Warren-Cranbourne Road in Cranbourne, between Thompsons Road and the South Gippsland Highway.
Work on the priority road projects will start in early 2020 and be completed by 2025.
“Traffic congestion isn’t just frustrating for families – its hurts our economy,” Mr Shorten said.
“Without proper investment in roads and rail, the annual economic cost of congestion will triple to $9 billion by 2031.
“Melbourne is Australia’s fastest-growing city. Despite being home to a quarter of the country’s population, Victoria has received as little as seven cents in every dollar spent on infrastructure by the Federal Government,” Mr Shorten said.
“Melbourne has traditionally been the most liveable city in the world, and I want it to stay that way,” he said.
Mr Byrne said the announcement would mean less congested roads, creating new jobs and slashing travel times for residents.
“The massive growth in population in the last 30 years is mind blowing,” he said.
“The roads infrastructure has just not kept pace. It’s a great place to live, but the busy roads have been neglected for far too long.
“Daniel Andrews is changing that, and I’m determined to help him get the job done. This is about giving people back some time to spend with the families, that’s what’s important,” Mr Bryne added.
