Work is progressing on highway upgrades at Johnsonville in front of the famous Black Stump General Store.
Federal Member for Gippsland Darren Chester said the work was part of a $50 million package of safety upgrades along the Princes Highway.
“The work in Johnsonville includes improving the Bumberrah Road intersection and increasing safety for pedestrians as they cross the highway,” Mr Chester said.
“Road infrastructure improvements, like these underway in Johnsonville, help to make our small towns more attractive for visitors and encourage them to stop and take a break.”
The work in Johnsonville complements highway safety improvements at Swan Reach and Nicholson, also undertaken as part of the $50 million package. All works along the highway funded through the package are due to be completed in 2021.
Mr Chester secured $25 million from the Federal Government for the highway improvements, which are jointly funded with the Victorian Government.
This month, Mr Chester secured an additional $60 million for further works along the Princes Highway east of Rosedale. This new funding will help to further improve road safety and upgrade visitor facilities along the highway.
“I’ve worked hard to secure a record investment by the Federal Government in road safety across Gippsland,” Mr Chester said.
“In addition to much needed road safety upgrades, this new funding will be used to develop more heavy vehicle parking and rest areas at key locations to encourage the travelling public to take a break and stay longer in Gippsland.
“We are building a better, safer Princes Highway for Gippslanders, local businesses and visitors to our region.”
Mr Chester also locked in a total of $15 million in Federal Government funding for road safety improvements to the Great Alpine Road, Monaro Highway and Hyland Highway. Those road works are now underway.
