The multi-million dollar project to transform the Esplanade in Lakes Entrance into a safer and more welcoming and attractive precinct is about to enter its final stages.
Federal Member for Gippsland Darren Chester said work on one of the last major components of the safety upgrade along the Esplanade would begin early next month.
“As the former Minister for Transport, I secured $50 million for the Princes Highway in 2016 and the safety upgrades have been impressive,” Mr Chester said.
“Work is moving along smoothly on the improved pedestrian facilities in Lakes Entrance and the local contractors are making great progress.
“The feedback from local traders about the efforts the contractors are making to minimise disruption to trade and the standard of the work completed is high.
“The success of this project is testament to the co-operation between all levels of government.”
Work on the section between Myer and Carpenter streets will start in the next two weeks. It includes:
- upgrading and widening the footpath in front of the shops, including landscaping;
- a new carpark behind the shops, to be built by East Gippsland Shire Council;
- changing the existing on-street parallel parking to angle parking; and
- enhancing the foreshore greenspace, including planting new Norfolk Pines.
Upgrades to the shopfront footpath and road drainage from Carpenter Street to Carstairs Avenue are due to be completed soon.
A safety upgrade will get underway at the Myer Street intersection at the end of this year. The works will include replacing the slip lane with a dedicated left-turn lane, installing raised safety platform and new landscaping.
Mr Chester said the Esplanade would be looking near its best as the weather warmed up.
“There’s still work to be done, but the major works underway over the coming few months will increase safety for both locals and holiday visitors,” Mr Chester said.
“We can already see how the works undertaken so far are encouraging people to stop and enjoy the foreshore area – and that’s great for our town and our local businesses.”
New solar lighting along the foreshore path between Myer Street and the Bullock Island roundabout will be installed in the second half of this year, after a trial section of the new lighting received a positive community response.
Next year, new pedestrian crossings at the intersections of the Esplanade and Stock Street, Whiters Street, Clarkes Road and Middle Street will be built.
The cost of the Princes Highway safety upgrade has been evenly split between the federal and state governments.
