The Andrews Labor Government has started construction of Stage 1 of the Thompsons Road Upgrade in Melbourne’s south east.
The $175 million upgrade will remove the level crossing on the Cranbourne line in Lyndhurst with a six lane bridge to be built over the railway line. Marriott Boulevard to the South Gippsland Highway will also be duplicated.
New paths and improved lighting for pedestrians and cyclists will be constructed, improving the connection to and from the Merinda Park train station.
Between Dandenong-Frankston Road and Berwick-Cranbourne (Clyde) Road there have been 156 reported accidents in the last 5 years – with 45 of those resulting in serious injury. The much-needed upgrade will improve safety in the area, helping to avoid accidents like these in future.
The Thompsons Road level crossing is one of Victoria’s worst. Removing it as part of the upgrade works will mean less congestion for the 19,000 vehicles who use the road each day.
New paths and improved lighting for pedestrians and cyclists will also be constructed, which will improve connection to and from the Merinda Park train station.
Stage 2 upgrade works will widen Thompsons Road from Dandenong-Frankston Road to Marriott Boulevard and from Narre Warren-Cranbourne Road to Berwick Cranbourne Road. Shortlisted applicants for this stage of works will be invited to tender in early 2017.
10km of new shared use path for cyclists and pedestrians will also be constructed along Thompsons Road, including 8.2km on the north side, and 1.5km on the south between Western Port Highway and Evans Road.
This first stage of the Thompsons Road upgrade will be completed by late 2018. The contract for construction for this second stage is expected to be awarded mid 2017, with the whole project completed by mid 2019.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Roads and Road Safety Luke Donnellan
“We’re putting people first and cutting travel times, boosting safety and supporting the South East’s growing population.”
“Thompsons Road is in the middle of one of Australia’s fastest growing regions and this project is important to getting people to their daily destinations efficiently and safely.”
Quote attributable to Member for Cranbourne Jude Perera
“We’re removing the dangerous and congested level crossing so people will no longer have to stop and wait for boom gates.”
Quote attributable to Member for Carrum Sonya Kilkenny
“We’re widening Thompsons Road to provide relief for motorists that travel during the peak periods.”
Quote attributable to Member for Narre Warren South Judith Graley
“We’re getting on with widening Thompsons Road so we can reduce the rat running down local roads to avoid the congestion.”
Reviewed 19 August 2020