Drivers in Victoria’s east will experience a better journey along two newly duplicated and safer sections of the Princes Highway through Gippsland which will open to traffic this week.
Federal Member for Gippsland Darren Chester said nearly seven and a half kilometres of extra lanes will open to traffic to bring immediate safety improvements along this busy and important stretch of the Princes Highway.
“Work has been completed on two key sections of the Princes Highway East duplication at Traralgon East and Nambrok – including an upgraded intersection at Maffra-Rosedale Road and two new bridges over Sheepwash Creek,” Mr Chester said.
“Completing these upgrades to key sections of the Princes Highway demonstrates our commitment to regional Australia – and will go a long way to improving journeys for drivers through Gippsland.”
One of the key features of the newly upgraded sections of the Princes Highway East is the two new bridges over Sheepwash Creek, spanning more than 30 metres each, to fully duplicate the highway through this section.
Construction started on these sections early 2017, as part of the 31-kilometre duplication of the Princes Highway between Traralgon and Sale.
These are the final two of nine sections to be completed as part of the $260 million investment jointly funded by the Australian and Victorian Governments.
State Member for Eastern Victoria Harriet Shing said between 10,000 and 15,000 vehicles rely on this part of the Princes Highway each day.
“We know that around one in five of those trucks, are using the road to access farms, the paper mill and the local RAAF base in Sale,” Ms Shing said.
“The community has been pushing for a better and safer duplicated Princes Highway – and we’re thrilled to finish these important upgrades.”
This marks the completion of the currently funded Princes Highway East duplication, which has been delivered by Victoria’s Major Road Projects Authority.