Federal MP Darren Chester says lives will be saved and more jobs created thanks to the $50 million upgrade of the Princes Highway between Bairnsdale and the New South Wales border.
Mr Chester drove the length of the highway this week and was impressed with progress on the overtaking lanes and shoulder improvements.
“I was delighted to secure an agreement with the State Government for matching funding for these vital upgrades and it’s great to see local workers getting the first stage of the job done right now,” Mr Chester said.
“It goes to show what can be achieved when the State and Federal Governments work together to focus taxpayer resources on a regional issue.
“In total there’s $50 million allocated for projects including many kilometres of shoulder construction, a new overtaking lane at Bellbird Creek, intersection upgrades and improvements to rest areas.
“These works are long overdue and will help to reduce road trauma by improving the road for local families, heavy transport operators and visitors to our region.
“The Princes Highway is the major transport artery for East Gippsland and a better, safer road will be good for industry and good for tourism.”
Mr Chester said he had worked with State MP Tim Bull for several years to promote the need for highway funding in the region.
He has also urged motorists to be patient while the work is undertaken in the interests of road crew safety.
“Working on roads while they are still in use can be a hazardous task and the speed restrictions are put in place to keep workers and motorists as safe as possible,” Mr Chester said.
“Please slow down in the road work zones. There will be some delays but the short term frustration will deliver long term benefits for our region.”
Mr Chester said he was working with Vicroads to prioritise further rounds of funding for Princes Highway improvements.
“This current funding won’t be enough to do all the work that is required and I’ve secured $5 million for a network study to develop all the projects required from Sydney to Adelaide via Gippsland,” he explained.
“Once that study is done, I want to see the Federal Government secure an agreement with all three states for a program of works to bring Highway One up to a better standard which will boost tourism and jobs along the route.”
