MP smooths road to re-election

Shadow Minister for Roads Luke Donnellan and Labor Monbulk MP James Merlino discussing their plans to resurface Monbulk Road. 126423 Picture: ANEEKA SIMONIS

By ANEEKA SIMONIS

ONE of the hills’ busiest roads will be resurfaced under Labor’s plan to improve road safety in the coming election.
Labor Monbulk MP James Merlino said the 2.4 kilometre stretch of Monbulk Road, which connects Kallista and Belgrave, would be resurfaced if he was re-elected and Labor formed the next State Government.
“This is a stretch of road that we get the most complaints and concerns by people living in the hills.
“Many parts of the road have potholes or is fraying away,” Mr Merlino said.
Mr Merlino said the road was a major route into the Mount Dandenong area and that $2 million would be invested to make it safer for road users.
Shadow Minister for Roads Luke Donnellan supported the decision to repair the road, which had its last major resurface about 15 years ago.
“On a road like this, you get a lot of rain which causes the road to lift or form potholes.
“If you’re not doing the resurfacing, roads won’t be up to scratch and Monbulk road is one that really needs to be resurfaced,” Mr Donnellan said.
Mr Merlino said once approved, resurfacing should take about two months to complete.
Monbulk Road is one of several regional roads that would share in $1 billion of works promised by Labor.