By Corey Everitt
An election candidate has reiterated a call to see Racecourse Road fully duplicated, assuring they will continue the council’s fight to address traffic concerns in one of Pakenham’s main arteries.
Alanna Pomeroy is currently in the contest for who will succeed Graeme Moore’s vacancy in Bunyip Ward.
The westernmost edge of the ward is Racecourse Road and Pomeroy isn’t pleased to know that all current works along the busy road are less extensive than one would assume.
“Pakenham continues to expand and we need roads that can cope with this growth; especially connection roads to the Monash Freeway,” Pomeroy said.
“To only half duplicate Racecourse Road will create major headaches. People don’t move to Pakenham to encounter traffic congestion right at the start of their journey.”
The current works are a part of the three-staged Pakenham Roads Upgrade which involves a range of works between McGregor and Racecourse Road.
A part of it is the duplication of Racecourse Road north of Princes Freeway, however the duplication will stop at Henry Street.
“We are fortunate that in Pakenham East a train station has been delivered before most of the new housing developments but with more than half of Cardinia Shire residents travelling outside the area to work; trains aren’t always a viable option. We need safe, well-connected roads,” Pomeroy said.
“Not duplicating the whole Racecourse Road will be a disaster and there will be flow-on effects, especially as drivers head towards Nar Nar Goon to access the Freeway here.”
Pomeroy echoes calls from previous council efforts.
In July 2021, Cr Jack Kowarzik successfully passed a motion directing the council to advocate to the State Government for a full duplication from Henry Street to the Princes Highway.
Before the 2022 State Election, the council welcomed a pledge of $56 million to extend the duplication from Liberal candidate for Pakenham, David Farrelly.
