By Ethan Benedicto
Following the recent $41.75 million announcement for the upgrades on the Thompsons Road roundabout, the locals’ sentiments have been a mixed bag.
Many have welcomed the announcement, with residents from the Delaray Estate in Clyde North saying that “it’s about time” something was done.
Sandy Bhullar, creative designer and business owner of Art Design Gallery less than a hundred feet from the roundabout, said that the upgrade “would be lovely”.
“I come from the Elliston Estate, and there is just a lot of traffic, even on the opposite side coming down here.
“In the mornings it would take me 40 to 45 minutes just to get to the freeway, and that should be the whole trip to where I’m headed.
“It would be nine to 10 minutes without traffic, but then there is, oh, it’s more than annoying,” she said.
While this upgrade has been a long time coming, not all are sold on the idea, especially on the price tag that comes with it.
Jake, a worker at Plus Fitness in Clyde North, was bewildered at the announcement, saying that “the last thing we need is more construction”.
“Look, is it going to benefit us? I don’t know, but look, I’m just over the construction.
“And I understand the temporary pain for long-term gain, but we (the state) are already in debt, and the last thing we need is more of that.
“Look, it’s a little bit of traffic, and there’s traffic everywhere,” he said.
Much like the construction at the Princes Freeway offramp in Berwick, she understands that the delays are ultimately inevitable, but is something that she is willing to bear.
“These delays are fine at the end of the day, causing inconvenience for months is better than causing inconvenience for years to come,” she said.
Having lived and worked in the area for just over three years, Bhullar was well aware of the growth of the area.
However, she didn’t anticipate that little would change throughout her stay, and echoing a seemingly age-old view, she also believes that the amenities for the people, especially in terms of infrastructure, have not been at pace with the growth.
“The area has grown so much, the community here is booming, and a mother, I know that there are a lot of parents dropping off and picking their kids up,” she said.
“They do their morning routine which could and should be done in 15 to 20 minutes, but instead is running for an hour.
“These parents could have done other things, such as groceries, for example, going back to work.”
The City of Casey’s Mayor, Stefan Koomen, welcomed the announcement, having previously stated that he, alongside the council, had plans to advocate for works on the roundabout following the Bells Road announcement.
“As councillors, we regularly receive feedback from residents about improving this intersection and I am thrilled that the Federal Government has committed funds for its upgrade,” he said.
“Council is currently negotiating an agreement with Major Road Projects Victoria to make a $5.69 million contribution towards construction, and (we) have strongly advocated for this upgrade for several years.”
However, residents and local workers, including Bhullar, are aware of the construction period, and what it could mean for congestion in the area.
Another local worker, who wished to not be named, supports the construction, recalling the times when he would travel through the roundabout and the frustrations that come with it.
“It’ll make a huge difference because it happens all the time when people are coming to the roundabout, you just get one dominant stream of cars and then people can’t get through,” they said.
Another resident blew caution to the wind when it comes to the delays, adding that road rage incidents are all too common, which “could lead to some dangerous interactions”.
“You never really know what it’s going to be like if a lane is going to be closed, then cars are going to be bumper to bumper.
“What happens then? People need to get somewhere, they’re irritated, and they take it out on others, I mean, it’s not right, but I bet you it’s going to happen,” they said.
A timeline for construction is not yet available, but nevertheless, sentiments around the announcement are teeming with those eager to be free from the grasp of congestion, and those with doubts that change will truly happen.
This story is developing and will be updated if more information is available.
