By Stephen Linnell
AFTER nearly two years and $28 million, the long-awaited Palmers Rd overpass at Point Cook will finally be opened to traffic today.
Work began on one of the largest infrastructure projects in the western suburbs in July 2006.
Paid for by the State Government and Wyndham City Council, the project is essentially a gateway to and from Point Cook.
It is expected to alleviate traffic congestion that has plagued Point Cook residents for years.
The new road provides for one lane of traffic in each direction and a connection between Dunnings Rd in Point Cook and the Princes Freeway.
Construction of the road has included a new bridge over Skeleton Creek as well as the Princes Freeway.
Traffic lights have been installed at Dunnings Rd and The Strand. Other features include full access at Lancaster Drive and restricted access (left in, left out) at Inverloch Drive and Willowgreen Way.
The new road is expected to provide residents of Sanctuary Lakes and the general Point Cook area – including the Boardwalk Estate – with easy access to the freeway and improved travel time.
The official opening today is the first stage of the Palmers Rd construction work.
Planning Minister Justin Madden indicated this month that the Government might soon announce an extension of the Palmers Rd overpass to connect the new estate of Williams Landing.
There are also plans for a new railway station just west of the Palmers Rd overpass.
“I know that in the not-too-distant future there will be some very positive announcements in relation to both those matters,” Mr Madden said.
