The article that appeared on 4 May 2006, emphasising the need for Thompsons Road to be resurfaced.By Sarah Schwager
AFTER years of lobbying, Cranbourne North residents have received a win with the announcement that a problem road will be surfaced.
Thompsons Road has long been a concern, with accidents occurring at the intersections of Gray and Lonsdale streets, where loose gravel covers the road.
Cranbourne North resident Ron Mayne said he had appealed to VicRoads, local MPs and the State Government to fix the problem, which he said had been an accident waiting to happen for many years.
Mr Mayne said loose stones on the road became like travelling on marbles, and on warmer days the dust stirred in the air making it impossible to see.
But VicRoads recently announced asphalt would be placed on the shoulders on Thompsons Road, near the intersections of Gray Street and Lonsdale Street.
VicRoads south east regional manager Steve Brown said asphalt would be laid to help prevent loose gravel being drawn onto the road.
Previously, VicRoads had been sweeping the gravel off the road.
Mr Mayne welcomed the news, saying it was about time something was done to alleviate the issue.
“I’m glad they (VicRoads) have finally woke up and are going to do something about it,” he said.
“I mean, it would probably cost them $11,000 or so to lay the asphalt. How much is a life worth?”
Merinda Park resident Margaret Radic said while the surfacing would help, more still needed to be done to make the section of road safer.
Ms Radic said a couple of years ago a girl was killed crossing Thompsons Road near the corner of Gray Street.
“It’s a really dangerous turning place,” she said.
“They need to install traffic lights. The kids still aren’t going down to the lollipop crossing to get to school.”
Mr Brown said the work was expected to be completed soon.
