- Published:
- Friday 21 October 2016 at 11:00 am
The Andrews Labor Government will progress planning and develop a business case to improve safety and reduce congestion along Phillip Island Road.
Minister for Roads and Road Safety Luke Donnellan visited Phillip Island today to announce $3.2 million to undertake the planning, helping to pave the way for a future upgrade of the corridor.
The Labor Government will work closely with the community, Bass Coast Shire Council and the Phillip Island Integrated Transport Study Reference Group to ensure local residents and visitors benefit from a safer and more accessible road network.
The local community identified road safety, access and traffic flow as the most important issues on the island, through the Phillip Island Integrated Transport Study (PIITS) that was adopted in 2014.
This funding will enable planning to continue to make these transport and road improvements in the Newhaven area and at the intersections of Woolamai Beach Road and Back Beach Road.
Between 8,000 to 12,000 vehicles use Phillip Island Road every day, which more than doubles in the peak season. Safety is a major concern, following 62 recorded casualty crashes on the road from Anderson to Cowes in the last five years.
Proper planning will help to safeguard the busy tourist corridor and ensure that the region’s roads can accommodate the increased pressure as the local population and visitor numbers continue to grow on Phillip Island.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Roads and Road Safety Luke Donnellan
“Phillip Island is growing, and we’re making sure that the roads can accommodate that growth.”
“This funding will allow us to work with the community to improve traffic flow, safety, and access for both residents and visitors along Phillip Island Road.”
Quotes attributable to Member for Eastern Victoria Harriet Shing
“We want to have the right infrastructure in place to make it easier and safer for more Victorians and visitors to enjoy one of our state’s most popular destinations, particularly during peak tourist times.”
“The planning that’s already underway for Newhaven will provide a gateway to Phillip Island – including a new service road with more parking to support commercial and tourism growth.”