Cann River will be a more attractive place for motorists to break their journey after the completion of a $50 million upgrade of the Princes Highway.
The Nationals Member for Gippsland Darren Chester said while the final works program was still to be confirmed, it would include the construction of a roundabout at the intersection of the Princes and Monaro highways at Cann River.
Mr Chester, who is also the Federal Minister for Infrastructure and Transport, last week met with officials from VicRoads to receive an update on the highway upgrade project.
“The works in Cann River are designed to encourage motorists to stop, take a break from driving and enjoy a stroll around the town,” Mr Chester said.
“We want our roads to be safe. One way of doing that is by giving motorists a chance to pull up and get out from behind the wheel.
“I also want Cann River to capitalise on its location on the Princes Highway and do what we can to encourage people to stop for a while, take time to have a stretch and clear their heads before continuing their journey.
“If we can help Cann River to be an attractive place to stop, local traders and the community will benefit, too.”
The roundabout will be built near the United petrol station. There will also be a new truck rest area and streetscaping to create a welcoming entrance to the town.
The intersection is one of 15 along the busy national highway between Sale and the New South Wales border to be upgraded.
Other projects listed as part of the proposed works program include building a new overtaking lane east of Genoa, undertaking drainage works at Mount Drummer, constructing and sealing road shoulders, and installing barriers at high-risk locations.
The Federal Government and the State Government are jointly funding the $50 million Princes Highway upgrade. The project funding is to be spent on improvement works, not routine maintenance.
The highway upgrade project is part of a record $130 million funding haul announced by both governments for key freight and tourism routes across Gippsland.
