Kingston Council is calling on local State election candidates to prioritise key road projects in Melbourne’s south-east in the lead up to voting day.
Council says its pre-election advocacy is focused on securing a more connected, efficient, and co-ordinated transport system and reducing congestion on local roads.
Construction of the much-anticipated Westall Road extension between the Princes Highway and Monash Freeway would greatly reduce the amount of traffic and freight on South Road in particular, while the duplication of Governor Road has the potential to significantly relieve congestion.
Mayor Steve Staikos said investment in these key road projects would greatly benefit the city and the broader south-east road network.
“Now is the time for the State Government, the opposition and the minor parties to show their support for our community through committing to making the necessary investment in the road network,” Mayor Staikos said.
“It would be an investment in safety, efficiency, productivity, connectedness, and the future.
“As a Council we are doing everything we can to make Kingston a great place to live, work, and play, but we need the other levels of government to assist us in this ongoing work, and improving our roads is another way the State Government can support us.”
Council has also written to the Department of Transport to call for Thompson Road bridge in Patterson Lakes to be duplicated.
Banksia Ward Councillor, Cameron Howe said that it was almost impossible for westbound traffic to turn right onto the Mornington Peninsula Freeway during busy times because the right turn lane is too short to meet the demand.
“The direct result is motorists are resorting to using the town centre roundabout to perform a U-turn, which is adding to congestion, posing safety risks and creating frustration for local Patterson Lakes residents,” Cr Howe said.
Council also has plans to evaluate the traffic volume of Centre Dandenong Road and review the major intersections along it at Warrigal Road, the Nepean Highway, and Boundary Road, with the potential to introduce a double right turn lane from Centre Dandenong Road onto the Nepean Highway.
