By CASEY NEILL
A DANDENONG lobby group has welcomed progress on an overpass to cut congestion and save lives.
But the State Government is yet to reveal just what that progress is.
Last month the Journal reported that Greater Dandenong CEO John Bennie said traffic measures to combat congestion around Abbotts Road and Remington Drive in Dandenong South were on the State Government’s agenda.
The Committee for Dandenong in 2013 proposed a toll road overpass above the rail line to link Remington Drive with Pound Road and improve freeway access.
The call followed a fatal collision between a train and truck at the Abbotts Road-Cranbourne railway line intersection – the second crash causing death at the crossing in five years.
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.
“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 last week.
“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.”
Mr Castricum said removing the Abbotts Road level crossing must also be an absolute priority.
The Journal asked the State Government about its plans for Remington Drive and when they were likely to come to fruition.
A spokesman for Public Transport Minister Jacinta Allan said the government would remove at least 20 of Victoria’s 50 most dangerous level crossings in its first term, including Abbotts Road.
He said initial consultation with the council about the best solution had started but no timeframe for its removal had been finalised.
“We look forward to working with residents, businesses and council on developing the best solution for Abbotts Road,“ he said.
The Committee for Dandenong is a community-based group of business people concerned with promoting Dandenong’s image and interests.
