By Denise Deason
DRIVERS battling to get in and out of Point Cook in peak hours are finally going to get some relief with an alternative route to the Princes Highway.
Construction of the $28.6 million Palmers Road overpass and extension by VicRoads in Hoppers Crossing is expected to be finished by the end of the year.
The project will see a 2km dual carriageway road to link Dunnings Road north to the freeway, providing another access point for residents.
This is expected to take pressure off Point Cook Road, which at present can take 20 minutes or more in bumper-to-bumper peak traffic to go just a couple of kilometres.
Then, frustrated drivers on this single lane each-way road, reach the roundabout before crossing to the freeway – and another long wait.
Wyndham mayor Shane Bourke said the project was “a boon”.
“A few years ago, no one dreamed Point Cook would grow as fast as it did,” he said.
“This new access road will make a huge difference for access and egress for the people of Point Cook and surrounding areas of Seabrook and Altona Meadows.
“Apart from people being able to get in and out more quickly, it will be much safer driving.
“We’re all looking forward to this road opening.
“And I think what it will do is make Point Cook more popular over again.”
VicRoads spokesman Lou Simonetta confirmed the project was on schedule and, weather permitting, would be open by the end of the year.
“That’s what it’s for – to provide an alternative route for Point Cook residents to get out onto the freeway,” he said.
The Wyndham City Council passed a motion last week agreeing to duplicate Dunnings Road between Juniper Avenue and Main Street, in front of the new Point Cook Town Centre.
The project, including public lighting and landscaping, will cost $400,000.
The council noted the duplication of this section of the road would improve safety for drivers, particularly after the shopping centre opened.
Tim Allerton, for Point Cook Town Centre developer Walker Corporation, said the company was happy with the council’s decision.
“The rationale is it will provide a safer and better traffic flow into and out of the shopping centre that’s under construction,” he said.
