Brace for delays

MOTORISTS have been warned to expect a change in traffic conditions over the coming weeks on McGregor Road as its duplication gains pace.
There will be an increase in roadworks activity as asphalt is laid on the new carriageway.
Cardinia Shire Council’s general manager of assets and services Michael Ellis said motorists should take care to observe speed limit signs when driving through the worksite.
“A couple of weeks after the asphalt is down residents and motorists should be aware that driving conditions in the area will change as traffic flow will be split over the two carriageways,” he said.
Once works are completed, the existing road will form the two lanes of the south-bound road and the new road being constructed will form the two north-bound lanes.
Mr Ellis said the project, once completed, would result in decreased travel times and improved safety on McGregor Road.
“This project will create a strong and safer link road to and from the Pakenham Bypass for residents and visitors coming in and out of Pakenham,” he said.
Stage one of the $2 million project, fully funded by the council, is expected to be complete by early September.
Mr Ellis said the timeframe was revised due to some unexpected soil conditions that needed to be worked around, and the need to relocate electricity infrastructure.
Electricity infrastructure provider SP Ausnet experienced delays in relocating their services.
“This has been due to SP Ausnet having to reprioritise their work to service areas affected by the Black Saturday bushfires,” Mr Ellis said.
“With these delays now overcome, council and our contractors JA Dodd are doing everything possible to make the most of favourable weather conditions, as they arise, to get this vitally important job done.”
Traffic lights at Henry Road, improved access for McGregor Road residents and a pedestrian refuge with a landscaped median strip will form the final parts of the project.