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Local plea for Highway upgrade answered
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Local plea for Highway upgrade answered

The Princes Highway just west of Cann River will be reconstructed at a cost of $1.6million, State Member for Gippsland East, Tim Bull, said today.

Mr Bull, who has raised the matter several times in Parliament after the road surface deteriorated badly earlier this year, this week received confirmation the work would be completed by April 2016 out of VicRoads’ routine maintenance budget.

“This is a big relief for the many who have contacted my office and allowed me to make a compelling argument in relation to the impact this was having on visitors to our region, some of whom have been avoiding the road for the latter half of this year.

“I first raised the matter some months ago after receiving a number of complaints that speed restriction signs were being placed more often and for longer periods in this area due to the road surface breaking up.

“These signs should be used in a temporary capacity as they have been in the past, while the surface of the road is initially temporarily repaired, then properly repaired.

“It is certainly good news that we have an upgrade planned for this area. I will now seek to achieve an outcome where appropriate temporary improvements are made for the peak season holiday traffic and a guarantee all the problem areas in this stretch will be addressed.

“While statewide roads maintenance funding was slashed in the May state budget by 20%, it is pleasing to know this project has been funded.

“Unfortunately, in responding to my representations, the Minister stated it was unlikely the 80kmh speed restriction would be lifted until when this work is completed in April next year.

“There still remains much more to do and I would hope that come budget time next year the government reinstates the money for roads maintenance and re-introduces the Country Roads and Bridges Program that provided $4 million directly to East Gippsland Shire for roads.

“It was axed in this year’s Budget and needs to be reinstated. This additional roads funding was making a difference in East Gippsland and if restored, we will be able to get more projects underway on our roads network,” Mr Bull said.

Caption: State Member for Gippsland East, Tim Bull was in Cann River this week viewing the problem section of the Princes Highway that will be the focus of road works early next year.