Premier John Brumby today turned the first sod on the $30.5 million Thompson Road duplication project between the Mornington Peninsula Freeway and Dandenong-Frankston Road.
Mr Brumby started the works to widen the road to provide two lanes in each direction from the east of Mornington Peninsula Freeway to EastLink and three lanes in each direction between EastLink and Dandenong-Frankston Road.
“Melbourne’s outer south-east is a major growth area and the Victorian Government is taking action to meet the needs of growing transport needs of people living and working in the region,” Mr Brumby said.
“The start of this project signifies another important milestone towards improving the safety, access and efficiency of the road network in outer south-east suburbs.
“The start of this project signifies another important milestone towards improving the safety, access and efficiency of the road network."
“Thompson Road between Mornington Peninsula Freeway and Dandenong-Frankston Road currently carries about 18,000 vehicles per day and this vital road upgrade will address current and future traffic volumes, greatly improve traffic flow in the area, reduce travel times and significantly increase safety for local motorists.
“The duplication will also allow freight operators using EastLink to access Thompson Road more efficiently and safely.”
Mr Brumby said projects like the Thompson Road duplication were part of the Victorian Government’s plan to ensure Victoria’s had a sustainable road transport system for the future.
“Good transport connections are crucial to the liveability of our suburbs and with expanding residential development happening in the outer south-east we will continue working hard to provide an efficient, productive and safe transport network,” he said.
“This major $30.5 million investment comes on top of the $22 million duplication of Thompson Road between South Gippsland Highway and Narre Warren-Cranbourne Road, with works on that section already underway.”
Member for Cranbourne Jude Perera MP welcomed the start of works and said when completed, the project would deliver huge improvements for Melbourne’s outer south-east communities.
“With the start of works today, families across the region can look forward to reduced congestion and safer driving conditions,” Mr Perera said.
“The Brumby Government continues to investment strongly in one of Melbourne’s fastest growing regions to ensure road infrastructure can meet increasing demands and to make the outer south-east an even better place to live, work and raise a family.”
Construction is being undertaken by BMD Constructions and works are expected to be completed in 2010.