• Latest 3.9-kilometre section of duplicated highway opens near Traralgon
• Part of $260 million Princes Highway East – Traralgon to Sale duplication
• One of nine sections of highway being upgraded to improve safety and trip times
Sections of two new eastbound lanes of the Princes Highway duplication between Traralgon and Sale are now open to traffic.
Federal Minister for Infrastructure and Transport Barnaby Joyce said drivers would now be diverted along part of the new 3.9-kilometre section of road between Minniedale Road and east of Sheepwash Creek Road, allowing construction on the remaining carriageways to start.
“The Australian and Victorian governments have invested $260 million in building and improving nine sections of the highway, resulting in more than 30 kilometres of highway duplication between Traralgon and Sale,” Mr Joyce said.
Victorian Minister for Roads and Road Safety Luke Donnellan said the new lanes were an important step towards a safer Princes Highway.
“Works to replace the existing Sheepwash Creek Bridge and intersection improvements at Kenyons Lane and Sheepwash Creek Road are still to be completed, and I want to thank locals for their continuing patience while we get this work done,” Mr Donnellan said.
Federal Member for Gippsland Darren Chester said improvements on this section of the Princes Highway would improve safety for all road users.
“Shifting traffic from the existing carriageway to the new carriageway will mean strengthening works can be completed on the existing lanes, and motorists will travel along the new section of the highway with reduced speed limits and two-way traffic,” Mr Chester said.
Member for Eastern Victoria Harriet Shing said the upgrade, when completed, would be a major boost for people travelling between Traralgon and Rosedale.
“Safety is our number one priority, that’s why we are investing in this important upgrade to get people home sooner and safer,” Ms Shing said.
The $260 million project is funded with $210 million from the Australian Government and $50 million from the Victorian Government.
