Funding to complete the duplication of the Princes Highway between Sale and Traralgon is expected to be confirmed in tomorrow’s Federal Budget.
The Nationals Member for Gippsland Darren Chester said ongoing lobbying of his Federal Government colleagues for the remaining $132 million to complete the project appeared to have paid off.
“This is great news for all Gippslanders who are keen to see the duplication project finished off,” Mr Chester said.
“Securing the money needed to finish the duplication of the Princes Highway between Traralgon and Sale is one of the highest priorities for Gippsland this year.
“This is a project that is going to save lives on our roads and obviously create jobs during construction and improve productivity for local businesses.”
Mr Chester said existing funding of $260 million would have seen two stages left incomplete at Kilmany and Flynn.
Under current arrangements, the Federal Government would fund 80 percent of the total cost and the State Government would be required to provide 20 percent.
“This additional $132 million is the Federal Government’s share of the project, we are committed to getting the job done,” Mr Chester said.
Mr Chester said he had relayed to the new Minister for Transport and Infrastructure Michael McCormack the importance of the Princes Highway project.
“It was disappointing the Victorian Labor Government failed to back this important infrastructure project in its budget, but I am doing everything I can to see that this project has the funding it needs to be finished,” he said.
Work on currently funded sections of the duplication project is due to be completed next year. Construction of the final unfunded sections is expected to cost $165 million.
“Construction on a 3.9 kilometre section of the highway east of Traralgon between Minniedale Road and east of Sheepwash Creek Road is due to be finished at the start of 2019,” Mr Chester said.
“Construction on the 3.4 kilometre section at Nambrok to the east of Rosedale-Maffra Road is scheduled to be completed at the end of this year.
