Tim Pallas and Jude Perera prepare to turn the first sod on Thompsons Road in Cranbourne. 20244
By Glen Atwell
REDUCED traffic congestion and safer driving conditions are the expected results of a $22 million upgrade of Thompsons Road in Cranbourne.
Roads and Ports Minister Tim Pallas, along with Cranbourne MP Jude Perera, on Tuesday morning helped start the works that will duplicate Thompsons Road between the South Gippsland Highway and Narre Warren-Cranbourne Road.
The road, which carries about 20,000 vehicles every day, is being widened and reconstructed for 1.6 km, providing three lanes each way from west of the South Gippsland Highway to Rosebank Drive, and two lanes each way between Rosebank Drive and Narre Warren-Cranbourne Road.
Protected turning lanes and median breaks will give safer access to adjacent residential areas while intersection and traffic signal improvements will help ease congestion and improve safety.
Mr Pallas said the project signified another important milestone towards improving the safety, access and efficiency of the arterial road network within the City of Casey.
“With growing residential development in and around the region, easing congestion and improving the liveability of the community is a priority of the Brumby Government, ” he said.
“We are delivering on our commitment to ease congestion and keep Melbourne moving and communities like Casey are seeing the benefits with key road improvements like the Thompson Road upgrade.”
Mr Perera said the improvements to Thompson Road would be welcomed by people living and working in the area.
“This major investment in our roads improves facilities for bus patrons, cyclists and pedestrians,” he said.
“New and upgraded paths will also create better and safer opportunities for walking and bike riding in the local community.”
Mr Pallas said the Brumby Government was delivering other important projects for Melbourne’s south-east.
“Other projects include the $30.5 million Thompson Road duplication between Mornington Peninsula Freeway and Dandenong-Frankston Road at Carrum Downs, and the $7.4 million Narre Warren-Cranbourne Road duplication between Centre Road and Pound Road,” he said.
