Bairnsdale-based Whelans Group Investments is helping build better roads and a stronger economy after securing the contract to complete shoulder construction and sealing works on the Princes Highway between Nowa Nowa and the New South Wales border.
The works will upgrade safety and road quality for locals and tourists.
Federal Member for Gippsland Darren Chester, who is also Minister for Infrastructure and Transport, said in addition to these early works, a range of further safety improvements would be rolled out across this important freight and tourist route.
“This $5.8 million shoulder sealing work is part of a $50 million investment to deliver a safer Princes Highway East for the benefit of Gippslanders and the region’s many visitors,” Mr Chester said.
“Joint funding of $50 million for the Princes Highway east of Sale was recently signed off by the federal and state governments.
“It’s a particularly important package of works because of the Princes Highway’s role as a key freight and tourist route for the east coast of Australia.
“It is great to see a local company secure this contract for shoulder construction and sealing works because it means more opportunities for local workers and an injection into the region’s economy.”
Shoulder sealing will occur at a number of points along the highway, including near Tostaree, Orbost, Newmerella, Cabbage Tree, Bellbird, Cann River and Genoa, alongside the sealing of rest areas.
The shoulder sealing works are expected be completed by mid-2018. The federal and state governments are jointly funding the $50 million Princes Highway East – Sale to New South Wales Border Upgrade.
