A $10 million upgrade of the Monaro Highway from Cann River to the New South Wales border is expected to be finished nearly a year ahead of schedule.
The last components of the project to be done include sealing an existing informal stopping and turnaround area, and building two slow vehicles pullover lanes.
Federal Member for Gippsland Darren Chester said motorists and freight operators would be pleased the project was nearly complete.
“This is a critical transport route for heavy vehicles, freight and tourist traffic travelling from Gippsland to Cooma, Canberra and beyond,” Mr Chester said.
“Drivers will have a safer, more accessible, efficient and reliable journey along the Monaro Highway between Cann River and the New South Wales border,” Mr Chester said.
“The Monaro Highway on the Victorian side of the border has been in poor condition compared to the New South Wales side.
“The work that’s been undertaken is designed to reduce run-off-road crashes and improving both travel times and the overall driving experience.”
Mr Chester, who secured $10 million in funding from the federal and state governments for the project, said he was pleased contractors from Gippsland had been involved with the project.
“This is a major road upgrade that has brought a significant amount of money into Gippsland. With local businesses securing contracts, that money has stayed in our region and supported local jobs.”
The Monaro Highway project has also included the construction of the Cann River roundabout and sealing the road shoulders and driveways, improving access points and installing audio-tactile marking.
