Communities along the Great Alpine Road are expected to receive a welcome boost from increased tourist traffic travelling the popular touring route.
The Nationals Member for Gippsland Darren Chester said an upgrade of the road designed to boost safety would attract more motorists enjoying the scenic journey across the Victorian Alps.
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 $10 million road upgrade project.
“The Great Alpine Road is a popular tourist drive and a vital infrastructure link. The improvement works identified are designed to boost safety, efficiency, accessibility and reliability for all road users,” Mr Chester said.
“Upgrades to make this road safer and more accessible, drawing more people to our region to holiday. For local business and industry, this road is a crucial link to the north.”
Road widening and shoulder sealing and construction are part of the proposed program of works along the Great Alpine Road between Bruthen and Cobungra.
“Community feedback provided to VicRoads showed the narrowness of the road, particularly the section between Bruthen and Ensay, was the main concern for road users,” Mr Chester said.
“Signage and overtaking opportunities, particularly between Bruthen and Ensay, were also key concerns.
“The proposed works program also includes new line markings, including yellow fog lines between Mount Hotham airport and Omeo, and the construction and sealing of the road shoulders along a 10 kilometre stretch between Bruthen and Ensay.
“These improvements will further boost the Great Alpine Road as a premier touring route connecting Gippsland to the north-east through spectacular mountain scenery.”
The Federal Government and the State Government are jointly funding the $10 million Great Alpine Road upgrade. The project funding is to be spent on improvement works, not routine maintenance.
The Great Alpine Road upgrade project is part of a record $130 million funding haul announced by both governments for key freight and tourism routes across Gippsland.
