By Jessica Anstice
Plans are being finalised for a new freeway interchange at Officer South Road that will give Arcadia Estate residents vastly improved access to the Princes Freeway.
The Officer South Road Freeway Interchange project, incorporating the western ramps to and from the city, will accompany the $711 million Monash Freeway upgrade.
Officer’s Arcadia Estate residents have been patiently anticipating the commencement of the project.
“I think the new interchange will make it easier for residents in Arcadia and beyond to gain quick access to the freeway, whereas at the moment we have to travel in the opposite direction,” resident Paige Surtees said.
“I live right next to the sound barriers so it takes me six minutes to reach the same point on the freeway in line with where I live.
“It’ll be nice when we can get on the freeway a lot quicker and not have to get stuck in traffic along Cardinia Road.”
The works will also include upgrading a portion of Officer South Road, between the freeway and Rix Road, to a four-lane arterial road, installation of a signalised intersection at Flanagan Avenue, and the upgrade of the roundabout at the meeting point of Rix, Bridge, Station and Officer South roads to a fully signalised intersection.
“The new interchange will ease pressure off the Officer highway exit as well as allow better access for locals and reduce travel times,” resident Matt Dalzotto said.
“It will be very beneficial and I cannot wait for the works to get going.”
Works are anticipated to commence in 2020 and Officer South Road will likely be closed for a period during construction.
“As a council condition on the permit granted to the developer, Satterley, the new interchange works will service to improve access to the Officer township,” Cardinia Shire Council’s infrastructure and environment general manager Peter Benazic said.
“These works will be a fantastic addition to the local road network for Officer, both providing improved access to the Officer township and relieving the traffic volumes that currently rely on access via the Beaconsfield interchange and Cardinia Road, particularly during peak times.”
Arcadia developer Satterley will be involved in the delivery of the upgrade and will keep residents and prospective purchasers updated over the duration of works.
