A new 3.9 kilometre section of the Princes Highway is now open just east of Traralgon.
Traffic from both directions is now being diverted onto the new eastbound lanes from Minniedale Road to east of Sheepwash Creek Road.
The Nationals Member for Gippsland Darren Chester said the traffic diversion would enable work on the westbound lanes to begin.
“Shifting traffic from the existing carriageway onto the new carriageway will mean strengthening works can be completed on the existing lanes. Vehicles are now travelling in both directions along the new section of the highway with reduced speed limits,” Mr Chester said.
“Major construction works on this section of the highway began in January last year. There’s still work to be done to improve the Kenyons Lane and Sheepwash Creek Road intersections and replace the bridge at Sheepwash Creek.
“This work is due to completed early next year. When it’s done, we’ll have a safer road for everyone who uses it.”
This stretch of the highway is one of nine sections funded as part of the $260 million Princes Highway East – Traralgon to Sale duplication project.
“When all current sections are completed, this important and much needed duplication will provide more than 30 kilometres of upgraded highway, improving safety and journey reliability on this route of national significance,” Mr Chester said.
The duplication project is funded with $210 million from the Australian Government and $50 million from the Victorian Government.
