By Ann Marie Angebrandt
A BADLY NEEDED road project to ease traffic congestion in Point Cook started last week.
The $28.6 million project will see a two-kilometre dual carriageway road link Dunnings Rd north to the Princes Freeway.
Cr Leigh Barrett, who fought for the project in his former role as president of the Point Cook Residents Association, said the project was “an egg a long time in the laying”.
Transport Minister Peter Batchelor and Altona MP Lynne Kosky turned the first sod of the project last Friday.
“For many years, members of the local community have been telling me that the access to the freeway is one of the most important issues for residents in the area,” Ms Kosky said.
A new overpass over the Princes Freeway will a provide direct connection to the city travelling east and a new westbound exit ramp for traffic travelling to Point Cook.
Traffic is expected to ease on the currently vehicle-choked Point Cook Rd and Boardwalk Boulevard. The road is scheduled for completion at the end of 2007. In the longer term, the project is designed to continue through the former RAAF Williams in Laverton to Sayers Rd.
Mr Batchelor said land was earmarked for the “resident-driven project” several years ago to keep pace with the suburb’s rapid development.
Upgrading Point Cook Rd was eliminated as an option because of the lack of land.
“We’ve worked closely with the community and local council to come up with a plan which not only is a win for all concerned but that will serve the needs of residents in the area well into the future,” he said.
He said the fragile eco-system and walking tracks of the nearby Skeleton Creek would be protected during and after the project’s completion.
Wyndham City Council contributed $1.7 million to the project.
