ALL roads lead to next week’s election, as both major parties look to traffic reducing infrastructure in their final push for votes.
The state coalition has pledged to put $600 million into getting rid of traffic lights along the Dingley Bypass to create the new “Dingley Freeway”.
In addition to the removal of six sets of lights, the intersection at Westall Road and Spring Road in Dingley Village is also on the chopping block.
Three sets of lights in Clarinda and three in Springvale South will be axed under the state opposition’s plan.
The opposition say that they will work to raise the speed limit on the road to 100 km/h after the removal of these intersections.
Opposition leader Matthew Guy said “under Daniel Andrews the population of the City of Kingston has increased by over 5% from 153,034 in 2014 to 161,089 in 2017. The Dingley Bypass and Tootal Road intersection has had a massive 26.8% increase in weekday traffic in the last two years. In 2016 there was a reported 36,742 vehicles passing through this intersection and in 2018 it was 46,607. That’s around 10,000 extra vehicles every day. The Dingley Bypass and Boundary Road intersection has had a 24.1% increase in weekday traffic in the last two years. In 2016 there was a reported 48,013 vehicles passing through this intersection and in 2018 it was 59,591.”
“A Liberal Nationals Government will fix arterial roads like Dingley Bypass. This will save local motorists up to 30 minutes a day on a round trip which is time better spent with family and friends. Under our project, construction of the first intersection removals will commence as soon as possible.”
Meanwhile, the state Labor Government have put their attention towards another road promise of their own, pledging to install new traffic lights at the intersection of Ballarto Road and Lyrebird Drive in Carrum Downs.
The $2.5 million election promise is aiming to improve the safety of the intersection. Two casualties have been recorded there since 2013.
“This upgrade will improve traffic flow, take the stress out of getting in and out of Lyrebird Drive, and most importantly, improve safety for our community,” Carrum MP Sonya Kilkenny said.
“The upgrade follows Labor’s $169 million commitment to fix Hall Road, duplicating 5.2 kilometres from McCormicks Road to Cranbourne-Frankston Road, doubling the existing two lanes to four.
“Whether you’re in the car, on a bike or out for a walk, this upgrade will make the intersection of Lyrebird Drive and Ballarto Road safer for everyone.”
First published in the Chelsea Mordialloc Mentone News – 14 November 2018