By ANEEKA SIMONIS
A MAJOR road duplication project identified for one of Pakenham’s busiest thoroughfares is thought to be holding up plans for large-scale accommodation in town.
VicRoads has confirmed the need to widen the entire section of Racecourse Road, from Bald Hill Road to the Princes Highway, to four lanes to cater for planned urban development in the Pakenham growth area.
However, the estimated start time for the road project has been kept under close wraps – with the Gazette’s first unsuccessful query about proposed duplication plans dating back to October 2014.
The unfunded proposal is believed to be stalling the 60-room motel planned for land neighbouring Cardinia Club on Racecourse Road.
VicRoads acting director of Transport and Planning Metro East Savoula Lidis said they were currently reviewing the council-forwarded planning permit for the proposed development.
“We will review this application and inform council of our position including any planning permit conditions that are appropriate for this development,” she said of the permit submitted to VicRoads on Monday 22 February.
The permit submitted to council by Pakenham Racing Club seeks to subdivide land at 71 and 77 Racecourse Road in Pakenham in addition to creating and altering access to a road.
Council’s co-ordinator for Economic Development Andrew Pomeroy last year told the Gazette accommodation services in the region “have been lacking for some time”, citing a need for additional conference facilities to enhance the area’s attractiveness for business conferences.
Council is not due to make a decision on the permit conditions before Friday 11 March.
VicRoads has also taken issue with turning lanes on the busy road, according to Ms Lidis.
“We have also held early discussions about turning lanes with the owner of the land on the west side of Racecourse Road next to the Cardinia Club, which will be considered,” she said.
In recent weeks, political campaign Fix the Bald Hill Road roundabout was created with the strong backing of Bass MP Brian Paynter.
Over 16,000 motorists are estimated to use the roundabout each day, causing significant delays along the single-lane road.
He flagged the roundabout upgrade as “urgent”.
Ms Lidis said, “We have recently commenced more detailed investigations into options to address traffic issues at the Bald Hill Road intersection.”
“Any improvement proposals along Racecourse Road will be considered for funding in a future program along with other state-wide priorities.”
