Road on a roll

By Paul Dunlop
PAKENHAM residents can look forward to 2007 as the Year of the Bypass.
The most anticipated road project in the area is on schedule for completion later this year, according to VicRoads officials.
Project manager Charlie Broadhurst said the $242 million project was progressing well.
“Construction is underway on all three sections of the project,” Mr Broadhurst said.
“Earthworks are advancing along the entire length of the bypass and freeway pavement construction has begun on the middle section between Cardinia Road and Healesville-Kooweerup Road.”
The completion of the bypass should be a massive boost for the town — and the harbinger of even greater change than has been seen in the past few years.
It is expected to dissolve most of the area’s traffic problems and open up the south-east corridor.
Mr Broadhurst said the bypass work was continuing on schedule and commuters could start looking forward to reaping the benefits.
“The Pakenham Bypass is on schedule for completion by the end of 2007,” he said.
“It is anticipated that it will reduce the average travel time by up to 50 per cent between Beaconsfield and Nar Nar Goon,” Mr Broadhurst said.
“The bypass is being built to significantly reduce the congestion and frustration often experienced during peak periods.”
Highlights of the latest construction phase include continuing works on the 270 metre bridge structure between the Beaconsfield interchange and Cardinia Creek.
The retaining walls west and east of Officer South Road have been completed and works are progressing to elevate the bypass over Officer South Road.
The main bridge structure will be put in place early this year.
Works on the McGregor Road and Healesville-Kooweerup Road overpasses are nearing completion.
The main bridge structure over Bald Hill Road is now in place.
Construction works will resume after a break over Christmas on 8 January.