THE duplication of McGregor Road, Pakenham, is gathering momentum with traffic lights at the Henry Road and Webster Way intersection expected to be switched on late next month.
The first stage of the $4.5 million project is also expected to be complete next month, depending on the weather.
According to traffic counts, more than 10,000 motorists use McGregor Road each day – up from 750 before the opening of the Pakenham bypass in December 2007.
After a slow start, the project has sped up in recent weeks with traffic between Henry Road and Heritage Boulevard recently split into two carriageways.
Cardinia Shire councillor Collin Ross urged motorists and pedestrians to be patient while the project was completed.
“This will be a terrific road duplication but people probably won’t appreciate it until it’s finished,” he said.
Acting Cardinia Shire chief executive Mike Ellis said the project had experienced some delays.
“Every project has its challenges and we had some unexpected soil conditions and the need to relocate the electricity infrastructure,” he said.
Mr Ellis said that electricity infrastructure provider SP Ausnet had to reprioritise its schedule because of the Black Saturday fires, resulting in delays.
Design has started for stage two of the project, which will focus on duplication around the rail line and improved access into the town centre with an intersection upgrade at Rogers Street, near the railway.
The council is working closely with rail authorities as preparations for stage two get underway.
It is anticipated that there will be pedestrian crossings on both sides of McGregor Road and boom gates are proposed to ensure safe crossing points for pedestrians.
Stage three, the final part of the project, will see the section of road between the railway line and the Princes Highway duplicated.
Cardinia Shire mayor Bill Pearson said he was looking forward to the project’s completion.
“The duplicated road will create a strong and safer link road to and from the Pakenham Bypass for residents and visitors coming in and out of Pakenham,” he said.
– Melissa Grant
