By Mario Xuereb
WORKon the duplication of Kings Rd, in Delahey, is about to start.
And that’ll be music to the ears of drivers and the residents of Brimbank’s north-west.
Cut and Fill Pty Ltd will head the $19.7 million project, which should reduce congestion in the area.
Work on the 3.2 kilometre duplication is scheduled to begin next month and be completed by the first half of 2008.
Keilor MP George Seitz said the finished product would improve the local road network by increasing its vehicle capacity and improving traffic flow along the road.
“Locals will benefit from improved travel times and reduced congestion, particularly during the morning and afternoon peak periods,” Mr Seitz said.
“The project will strengthen this vital link from Deer Park to Taylors Lakes, improving access to adjacent residential estates and shopping centres.”
However, a group of residents insists the duplication is only one of several essential road projects needed in the area.
David Anderson, president of the Delahey Residents’ Group, cited two other top priorities as the duplication of Taylors Rd, and the installation of traffic lights at the Kings Rd intersection.
“The Department of Infrastructure can see what is necessary when it comes to the other works that must be done in the north-west suburbs,” Mr Anderson said.
“Safety is a real big concern at the Kings Rd-Taylors Rd intersection because there are always bottlenecks, and you need some proper management of traffic flows.”
Mr Anderson also questioned the timing of two signs put up last week on Kings Rd pronouncing the project and how much it would cost. Funding for the duplication was announced almost a year ago. “It’s no coincidence that there is an election coming up,” Mr Anderson said.
