The Nationals Member for Gippsland Darren Chester says five new overtaking lanes on the Princes Highway east over five years is a good start, but more safety upgrades will be required.
Mr Chester this week drove the length of the Princes Highway through his Gippsland electorate. He was impressed with the improvements, but highlighted future funding needs.
“We are seeing record investment by the Federal Government in the Princes Highway as we develop a better, safer road in partnership with the Victorian Government,” Mr Chester said.
“In this year’s Federal Budget, I managed to secure $132 million for the final two stages of the duplication of the highway between Traralgon and Sale, but the State Government has to fund its share.
“I know it can be frustrating to be delayed while road works are underway, but the long-term benefits for road safety and productivity will be enormous.”
Mr Chester said he was particularly pleased with improvements to the highway between Lakes Entrance and the New South Wales border.
“This section of highway is a State Government responsibility, but over the past five years I have secured more than $30 million in Federal Government funding for five new overtaking lanes, kilometres of road shoulders and new heavy vehicle rest areas,” Mr Chester said.
“The first three overtaking lanes between Nowa Nowa and Orbost have improved traffic flow and I am looking forward to the completion of work at Bellbird Creek and east of Cann River.
“The feedback I have received from motorists is the new overtaking lanes have improved safety by reducing driver frustration when stuck behind slower vehicles.”
Mr Chester appealed to motorists to obey roadworks speed limits during the construction phase.
“There are a lot of local workers employed on these jobs and we want to make sure they complete these major upgrades safely,” Mr Chester said.
