PRINCES HIGHWAY REST AREA TO START CONSTRUCTION
June 28, 2013
Member for Gippsland East Tim Bull said the Victorian Coalition Government is providing $625,000 to upgrade a truck rest area on the Princes Highway near McKenzie River as part of its $28 million Transport Solutions regional freight initiative.
Mr Bull said the project will improve safety and efficiency of freight movement in the area.
“The project involves upgrading the pavement and sealing the existing facility with designated parking bays for six B-Double trucks, improving entrance and exits points, and installation of street lighting,” Mr Bull said.
“The upgrade will result in immediate benefits by providing heavy vehicles with a safe area to stop, which will improve safety and help reduce driver fatigue.”
“The project will receive $1.25 million in funding made up of $625,000 from the Victorian Government and $625,000 from the Commonwealth Government’s Heavy Vehicle Safety and Productivity Program and is expected to be completed within 2013-14.”
Federal Member for Gippsland Darren Chester said rest areas were an important measure in reducing driver fatigue.
“Rest areas are critical for all road users, providing a safe place to stop and revive when tired,” Mr Chester said.
“If successful at the next election a Federal Coalition Government will develop 500 additional rest areas throughout Australia to help improve road safety.”
Minister for Transport and Roads Terry Mulder said that the project is a well thought-out and smart investment which has been developed through extensive consultation with industry.
“Transport Solutions targets 30 projects throughout Victoria incorporating and supporting recommendations from the Timber Action Plan, Regional Growth Plans and Grain Logistics Taskforce. The projects are designed to provide the maximum benefit for the state’s regional freight network by boosting productivity and efficiency,” Mr Mulder said.
Transport Solutions projects will be delivered by VicRoads and local government, and rolled out progressively over the next two years.
For more information on each project please visit the Department of Transport, Planning and Local Infrastructure website at www.transport.vic.gov.au