Works to install Wonthaggi’s first traffic lights and new pedestrian crossing will start in July, with the project expected to reduce congestion and crashes at the Bass Highway and Korumburra-Wonthaggi Road intersection.
Federal Minister for Infrastructure and Transport Darren Chester said this intersection is the primary freight access point to the commercial precinct and these works will reduce delays for the 11,000 motorists that use this intersection daily.
“More than 1,300 heavy vehicles, including B-doubles, use this intersection each day and the improvements will reduce the number of vehicles using nearby Poplar Street, which has a load limit,” Mr Chester said.
“It will be great to see works get underway next month, with the project expected to keep locals safe at this site and not stuck in traffic.”
Victorian Roads and Road Safety Minister Luke Donnellan said this intersection upgrade will reduce congestion and deliver local jobs.
“We are investing in our regional road network to get people where they need to go safer and sooner,” Mr Donnellan said.
“This investment will improve safety while making it easier and more efficient for producers and local businesses to get their goods to market.”
Bass Coast Shire Council Mayor, Pamela Rothfield said the intersection has been a safety concern for the community for a number of years.
“We are delighted our advocacy has been successful and we are able to address this issue with substantial government funds supporting Council’s investment,” Councillor Rothfield said.
The Australian government is contributing $1.52 million under the Heavy Vehicle Safety and Productivity Programme. The Victorian Government is contributing $1.52 million, and the Bass Coast Shire Council contributing $725,000.
Reviewed 19 August 2020