March 28, 2014
Construction of the Flynn to Rosedale section of the Princes Highway will start soon following the announcement today that RTL Mining and Earthworks Pty Ltd has been awarded the $42.67 million contract to duplicate 8.2 kilometres from Flynns Creek Road to Byes Lane.
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Infrastructure and Regional Development Warren Truss reaffirmed the Federal Government’s investment in the highway, which is vital to Gippsland and Victoria.
“I was here earlier this year to commit the funding to duplicate a further 22 of the 47 kilometres of the highway between Traralgon and Sale. After four years of construction, it is exciting to see another section of the project underway,” Mr Truss said.
“This work is part of the Australian Government’s Infrastructure Investment Programme which is contributing around $6.5 billion towards vital infrastructure projects in Victoria.
“The Australian Government will contribute $140 million and the Victorian Government $35 million to the project, which will improve road safety, vehicle access and reduce transit times.”
Deputy Premier of Victoria and Member for Gippsland South Peter Ryan said works between Traralgon and Sale were progressing well.
“This is the fifth of six sections currently funded and will duplicate the highway west of Rosedale,” Mr Ryan said.
“The section in Traralgon East was completed in December 2010, while the section between Wurruk and Sale opened to traffic in July 2013.
“Construction between Stammers Road and Minniedale Road began in September 2013, with traffic to be switched on to the new east bound lanes after Easter so works can start on the new west bound lanes.”
Member for Gippsland Darren Chester said the Flynn to Rosedale duplication would significantly improve road safety.
“The section between Flynn and Rosedale has a poor and tragically, a very recent, crash history,” Mr Chester said.
“This work will upgrade the layout of intersections and widen medians to provide separate left and
right turn lanes which will let trucks or slow moving vehicles safely enter and exit the highway.”
Construction between Flynn and Rosedale is expected to start by May 2014 and be completed in mid 2016
