Heavy vehicle and motorist safety will be improved around Moe with the construction of a new truck stop at the western end of the town.
Federal Minister for Infrastructure and Transport Darren Chester said the project was part of a strategy to provide truck rest areas as a way to reduce the risk of crashes along the Princes Highway between Longwarry and the New South Wales border.
"This project will see a new truck stop built as well as significant upgrades to the freeway exit ramp and Old Gippstown car park," Mr Chester said.
"Over recent months, we have been speaking with stakeholders including Latrobe City Council, the freight industry, and local community groups about what shape the project should take."
Victorian Minister for Roads and Road Safety Luke Donnellan said the location of the truck stop had now been determined in consultation with key stakeholders including the freight industry.
"We’re investing in this project to improve safety on Gippsland roads and increase road transport productivity," Mr Donnellan said.
"We’ve listened to truck drivers, the Victorian Transport Association and the local community, now we’re getting on with delivering a new truck stop for Moe."
Federal Member for McMillan Russell Broadbent said the upgrade will provide truck drivers with a safe option to rest along one of the most challenging and demanding freight routes in the state.
"The project also includes significant upgrades to the existing freeway exit ramp and extensive landscaping to enhance the western entry to Moe," Mr Broadbent said.
State Member for Eastern Victoria Harriet Shing said that planned landscaping works will provide a welcoming entry to Moe.
"We’ll retain all of the existing Pin Oak trees along the exit ramp, while new trees and native plants will to help screen the truck stop."
Construction on the project is expected to start in late 2017.
The Australian Government has committed $1.48 million under the Heavy Vehicle Safety and Productivity Programme, with the Victorian Government also committing $1.48 million to the project.
Reviewed 19 August 2020