5 years ago
RACECOURSE ROAD UPGRADE FLIES OUT OF THE GATES
The Hon Scott Morrison MP
Motorists in Pakenham will be spending less time in traffic after a $70 million congestion-busting package was announced today by the Morrison Government.
The commitment will fund Pakenham’s Racecourse Road upgrade between the Princes Freeway and Henry Street.
The upgrade would put traffic signals at the Bald Hill Road intersection and upgrade the freeway overpass.
Prime Minister Scott Morrison said the project would be a game-changer for local drivers.
“This will solve the congestion headache problem for the more than 20,000 motorists who use this route every day,” the Prime Minister said.
“We’re building on our plan for Australia’s future population by busting congestion in places like Pakenham. We’re reducing the pressure we’re putting on the infrastructure in our big cities and delivering policies that connect migrants to communities looking for more workers and skills.
“This is about getting people home sooner and safer, tradies being able to be on site rather than stuck bumper to bumper, and families spending more time together.”
Federal Member for La Trobe Jason Wood said taking action now was crucial to ensuring the area was equipped to allow for the strong residential growth in the area.
“The Morrison Government understands the importance of easing local congestion issues, particularly in areas such as Pakenham that are experiencing strong population growth,” Mr Wood said.
“Traffic queuing from the intersection of Racecourse Road and Bald Hill Road, often extending back onto the freeway, is a well-known bottleneck and a safety issue. It is something we are committed to fixing through the funding injection announced today.”
Minister for Cities, Urban Infrastructure and Population Alan Tudge said the upgrade would improve access to the Pakenham town centre and support the growing residential in north and east.
“It will be welcome news for local businesses and residents across Pakenham,” Minister Tudge said.
“It will mean faster, safer and more reliable access between the Princes Freeway and Princes Highway, as well as into the Pakenham town centre.”
This funding builds on the Government’s additional $261.3 million investment announced recently for Melbourne under the nationwide Urban Congestion Package, as well as major congestion-busting investments such as the North East Link, Monash Freeway Widening, M80 Ring Road Upgrade, and the $5 billion commitment to deliver the Melbourne Airport Rail Link.