THE State Minister for Roads and Road Safety, Ben Carroll has announced an allocation of $8.2 million for a package of works on the Strzelecki Highway between Morwell and Mirboo North.
Initiatives will include a northbound overtaking near Creamery Road, improving traffic flow and providing safer overtaking opportunities for drivers.
The important upgrade will benefit not only local motorists, but freight operators travelling on the highway connecting the South Gippsland and Latrobe regions; ensuring goods can get to where they need to go, supporting the local economy.
Minister for Roads and Road Safety, Ben Carroll, said the investment of significant funds for the upgrade would be money well spent on a key Gippsland link road.
“Drivers will soon be able to enjoy a safer and more reliable journey on the Strzelecki Highway between Morwell and Mirboo North as part of our significant investment into upgrading this key route,” he said.
“The Strzelecki Highway is a vital link for communities and industries within South Gippsland and Latrobe regions, that’s why we’re boosting safety by building a new overtaking lane.”
Member for Eastern Victoria Harriet Shing said the upgrade was a boost for business.
“We know how important the Strzelecki Highway is as a link for local communities and also freight operators transporting goods – that is why this upgrade is going to be a boon for all road users, enhancing safety and making travel more reliable.”
The project will also deliver flexible safety barriers along the centreline and left-hand side to reduce head-on and run-off-road crashes and boost safety for all road users.
There were 34 recorded casualty crashes along the Strzelecki Highway between 1 January 2017 and 3 November 2021 resulting in two fatalities, 15 serious injuries and 17 minor injuries.
Pre-construction activities on this detailed project are expected to commence in early 2023, with construction to be completed within three years.
This project is part of a $226.7 million investment in high-priority road and intersection upgrade projects at locations across Victoria, including the Bass Highway in Kilcunda.