Denis Napthine pledges Thompsons Rd upgrade to relieve traffic

A NOTORIOUS traffic hotspot in Melbourne’s south east will be upgraded no matter which party wins the November poll.

Traffic build up at Thompsons Rd level crossing as train passes. Picture: Jason Sammon

A NOTORIOUS traffic hotspot in Melbourne’s south east will be upgraded no matter which party wins the November poll.

The Coalition today announced a multi-million package to improve Thompsons Rd including two grade separations and lane duplications.

The $310 million commitment is expected to create 300 new jobs with works to begin by mid-2016.

Premier Denis Napthine meets the Tasker family on the hustings. Picture: Mike Keating

Earlier this year the Labor Party announced it would duplicate Thompsons Rd if elected.

Premier Napthine said the improvements could save commuters up to 20 minutes with average speeds set to increase by up to 50km/h.

“The best way to address congestion and safety in the south-eastern suburbs is to have an integrated plan that focuses on both road and public transport investment at the same time,” Dr Napthine said.

He said the project would create 300 jobs and include a grade-separated interchange to replace the Western Port Highway roundabout.

“Once the upgrade is complete, drivers using Thompsons Rd will save up to 20 minutes as average speeds during peak hour will increase to 70km/h from the current 20km/h,” Dr Napthine said.

When complete, Thompsons Rd will be six lanes wide between the Western Port Highway and South Gippsland Highway and between McCormicks and Dandenong-Frankston roads. It will be four lanes wide between McCormicks Rd and Western Port Highway.

Cranbourne Labor MP Jude Perera said under Labor completion of the duplication would be a top priority.

“We started this work with $55 million when we were last in government and we will finish it quickly if we are returned,” Mr Perera said.

“And we too will take out the level crossing at Merinda Park station as part of the process.”

[e-mail]