Gippsland motorists will be enjoying a fully duplicated Princes Highway between Traralgon and Sale within weeks as the final stage of the project is scheduled for completion, according to local MP Darren Chester.
The Federal Member for Gippsland secured 80% of the funding for the duplication project from the previous Coalition Government and expects to see significant safety and productivity improvements for the transport sector and the travelling public.
Mr Chester is already focusing on the next big challenges: securing funding to bypass Traralgon, upgrading the Sale alternate route, and improving the surface of the Princes Highway throughout Gippsland.
“The duplication project has taken longer than I hoped, and we had to fight the State Government to provide just 20% of the funding, but we won the battle,” Mr Chester said.
“It’s been a critical project for the Gippsland community, and we had to work hard to secure more than $400 million from the previous Coalition Government to deliver the project, which carries 15,000 motorists each day.
“A better, safer highway will save lives and provide long-term social, economic and environmental benefits for all Gippslanders.”
Delivered in three stages, the Princes Highway East Upgrade adds 43km of new dual lanes to the route between Traralgon and Sale.
Stages one and two added 31 kilometres of new dual lanes and improved 22 intersections on the Princes Highway, with the third and final stage completing the final 12 kilometres of dual lanes and delivering additional safety improvements.
Mr Chester said improving the Gippsland road network was vital for moving products to market, reducing road trauma, and boosting the visitor economy.
“When it comes to roads, there’s always more to be done,” Mr Chester said.
“I’m working on securing more funding for the Sale alternative route and to get the ball rolling on the proposed Traralgon bypass, projects which will support the jobs and infrastructure our community needs to thrive now and into the future.
“I will also keep working with my state and federal colleagues to force both levels of government to start taking regional roads seriously and increase funding for the Victorian arterial road network.”
Mr Chester said the Andrews-Allan Government had cut funding for resurfacing works to its lowest level in five years, while simultaneously, the Albanese Government had changed the formula, co-funding road projects, from 80% funded by the Federal Government to a 50-50 funding split.
“Basic maintenance is being ignored, and the road surface is falling apart, which puts lives at risk and causes damage to vehicles,” Mr Chester said.
“It’s an absolute disgrace which is contributing to crashes and hitting everyday road users with more costs to fix their tyres, axles and broken windscreens. As families struggle to pay their bills, they are copping extra costs to fix cars that have been damaged by poorly maintained roads.”
