Overjoyed at overpass plan

A DANDENONG lobby group has welcomed progress on an overpass to cut congestion and save lives.
The Journal last week reported that Greater Dandenong CEO John Bennie at a business breakfast said traffic measures to combat congestion around Abbotts Road and Remington Drive in Dandenong South were on the agenda with the “newly-elected can-do government”.
The Committee for Dandenong in 2013 proposed a toll road overpass between the two sections of Remington Drive to link directly with Pound Road and the freeway.
“The congestion in and around Abbotts Road is a huge negative impact upon productivity in the area and often creates gridlock on a twice-daily basis,” committee chairman Gary Castricum said.
“However, much more important is the loss of life that has occurred at the crossing over the last decade.
“Although the overpass at Remington Drive will not fix all of the congestion issues associated with the Dandenong South traffic area, it is a wonderful start.”
The issue raised its head again in April last year after VicRoads closed Bayliss Road at the Western Port Highway, forcing vehicles onto surrounding roads including Abbotts.
Mr Castricum last week said removing the Abbotts Road level crossing must also be an absolute priority for the State Government.
The Committee for Dandenong is a community-based group of business people concerned with promoting Dandenong’s image and interests.