Inspecting the upgrades at Pound Road that started last week are Narre Warren South MP Judith Graley and Parliamentary Secretary for Roads and Ports Don Nardella. 42800 Picture: Donna Oates
WORK has started on the $36.8 million upgrade of Pound Road to ease congestion on the busy road.
Bridge widening, additional turning lanes and traffic signals are part of the upgrades that are due to be completed by the end of next year.
Narre Warren South MP Judith Graley and Parliamentary Secretary for Roads and Ports, Don Nardella, last week toured the site to inspect the upgrades on Pound Road near the South Gippsland Highway.
Ms Graley said the major upgrades would meet the current and future transport needs of the growing residential and industrial area around Hampton Park.
“Pound Road is a vital transport route in Melbourne’s south-east and when completed these works will enhance traffic movements to and from the South Gippsland Freeway intersections,” Ms Graley said.
More than 300,000 vehicles, including 4000 trucks, used the road each day, Ms Graley said.
Motorists could expect better travel times within two years, Mr Nardella said.
“I’m glad to see development of Melbourne’s outer south-east moving forward. It will be a great boost for transport in the area, including for bus services and local access,” Mr Nardella said.
The Pound Road Bridge will be widened over the South Gippsland Freeway to provide three westbound lanes, two eastbound lanes and two right-turn lanes onto the South Gippsland Freeway.
Traffic signals will be installed at the intersection of Pound Road and South Gippsland Highway, the Pound Road and South Gippsland Freeway entry ramp and the intersection of Pound Road and Vanessa Drive.
The additional turning lanes will be at the Abbotts Road and South Gippsland Highway intersection.
