The state government needs to shift its focus from the south-east to the west and reduce traffic congestion in growth areas, according to Road Minister Luke Donnellan.
Mr Donnellan, who visited Point Cook last week to announce a $3.75 million cash injection to upgrade Palmers and Dunnings roads, said it was important new residents could move freely around their area.
The funding, which is part of the state government’s 2015-16 budget, will go towards a new lane for bus and multi-occupancy vehicles on Palmers Road, northbound between Dunnings Road and Skeleton Creek.
The transit lane will operate on week days from 6.30-9.30am for buses and cars with two or more passengers, with indented bays provided at bus stops.
Traffic lights at the corner of Palmers and Dunnings roads will be adjusted to allow buses more time to pass through the intersection.
Palmers is one of Wyndham’s most congested roads, with a 2014 council traffic volume report revealing 23,700 vehicles use it daily.
Wyndham council has also put $3 million towards the project, with construction due to start in mid-2016.
“This project will cut travel times and reduce the frustration that drivers are experiencing every day,” Mr Donnellan said.
Cr Glenn Goodfellow said the state funding was an important first step in clearing the traffic congestion in Point Cook.
The government is also spending $1.9 million to widen the Princes Freeway off-ramp at Forsyth Road to two lanes and extend the existing slip lane, with work due to start early next year. The ramp was the scene of eight crashes, one resulting in serious injury, in the five years to December, 2014.
