June 16, 2014
CONSTRUCTION has now started on the duplication of the Princes Highway between the towns of Flynn and Rosedale in Gippsland.
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Infrastructure and Regional Development Warren Truss said works on the 8.3 kilometre highway duplication project were underway.
“The Australian Government is committing $140 million as part of a $175 million package with the Victorian Government to ensure that this section of the Princes Highway is as safe as possible for the road users and residents of Gippsland,” Mr Truss said.
“As the primary route between Melbourne and Gippsland, the Princes Highway supports key industries such as dairy, timber, mining and natural gas, as well as the RAAF base at Sale.”
Federal Member for Gippsland Darren Chester said the upgrade is necessary to ensure the Princes Highway can safely cope with increasing traffic volumes.
“Unfortunately, this section of the highway, particularly near Blind Joes Creek, has had seven crashes in the last five years, including a double fatality,” Mr Chester said.
Deputy Premier, Leader of the Victorian Nationals and Member for Gippsland South Peter Ryan said the $175 million package of works will duplicate 22 of the 47 kilometres of the Princes Highway between Traralgon and Sale.
“Duplicating this stretch of road will make overtaking possible where it previously hadn’t been, reducing the frustration of drivers which sometimes leads to bad decisions,” Mr Ryan said.
“This will make the road safer for the 10,500 motorists who use the road every day.”
Victorian Member for Morwell Russell Northe said that pre-construction works for the upgrade are now complete, with the contractor scheduled to start work on the Blind Joes Creek and Flynns Creek bridges in coming weeks.
“Most of the early stages of construction will happen away from the highway, so there will be minimal impacts on traffic, which is great for motorists,” Mr Northe said.
Construction works for the Flynn to Rosedale section are due for completion in mid-2016.