Lives are being put at risk in Traralgon because of the incompetence of the State and Federal Ministers for Transport, according to Member for Gippsland Darren Chester.
Despite repeated attempts to bring forward works to finalise the Bank St-Princes Highway intersection upgrade, Mr Chester said nothing has happened to install the planned traffic lights.
“There’s been yet another crash, this time involving a bus and a car, and still we wait for the State Government to finish the project,” Mr Chester said.
“It’s a disgrace that motorists are exposed to major risks every day, and emergency services personnel are placed in danger every time there’s an accident.
“We’ve been waiting more than 18 months for the promised traffic lights to actually be installed.
“I secured $4 million for this project from the previous Federal Government, and the project was meant to include traffic lights, intersection upgrades and improvements to the adjoining railway crossing.
“It’s a complete farce that more than 18 months have passed since the roadworks were completed, but the traffic signals still haven’t been installed.”
Mr Chester said he had received no explanation from State Minister Melissa Horne or Federal Minister Catherine King as to why it was taking so long to finish the project, despite writing to both Ministers.
“The roadworks were completed in December 2022, but we still don’t have traffic lights installed and synchronised with the nearby railway signals,” Mr Chester said.
“The State Government has lowered the speed limit to 60km/hr, which is an admission of its failure to finish the job and create a safer intersection for all road users.”
