Work on a $2.5 million project to create a link between Bairnsdale’s industrial area and the East Gippsland Livestock Exchange is now underway.
The project comprises the extension of Giles Street and the construction of a new three-span concrete bridge over Magee’s Gully.
The Nationals Member for Gippsland Darren Chester recently met with East Gippsland Shire Council Director Operations Chris Waites to discuss the benefits of the project.
“The Federal Government and East Gippsland Shire Council is jointly funding the work to extend Giles Street, each contributing around $590,000, while East Gippsland Shire Council is fully funding the new bridge,” Mr Chester said.
“As a result of the project, travelling distance between the industrial precinct and saleyards will be reduced by 1.5 kilometres. This project has strong support from the local business community and will have long-lasting safety and productivity benefits.
“East Gippsland Shire has worked closely with the community to come up with a practical solution that adequately meets the needs of heavy vehicle operators and local traffic.”
The Giles Street extension will allow vehicles to detour from the centre of Bairnsdale and avoid multiple sets of traffic lights and heavy traffic during peak times.
“More than 1700 vehicles, including 770 heavy vehicles, are expected to use the new route,” Mr Chester said. “This means they can avoid the more central areas of Bairnsdale to access either the industrial area or saleyards.”
The Federal Government is funding the Giles Street extension project under the Heavy Vehicle Safety and Productivity Program.
