Two of Bairnsdale's busiest intersections are set for major safety upgrades, with works starting this spring to improve traffic flow and get drivers to their destinations sooner and more safely.
A new dual-lane roundabout will be built at the intersection of the Princes Highway East and McEacharn Street, with the Australian Government fully funding the $9.73 million project. The project is funded under the Australian Government's $316.3 million Princes Highway Corridor in Victoria.
There will also be intersection improvements at the Wy Yung Road (Bullumwaal Road) and Howitt Avenue, with both the Australian and Victorian governments funding $3.26 million towards the project. This project is funded under the Australian Government's $2.965 billion Road Safety Program.
The $16.2 million in joint funding for these road safety upgrades will help accommodate Bairnsdale's growing population, boost safety, and ease congestion.
The population of Bairnsdale has grown significantly over the past decade, increasing the number of vehicles on the town's road network, and is predicted to grow by a further 27 per cent by 2036.
Both projects will be delivered by the Victorian Government and safety upgrades will include a new roundabout, extra lanes with widened access, new pedestrian refuges, safety barriers and upgraded street lighting on the Princes Highway
Together these changes will help reduce the likelihood of serious crashes at the intersections, which cater to a combined 27,000 vehicles per day.
In addition to safer journeys, the works will provide secure crossing points for pedestrians and cyclists, and improve access to the Mitchell River Flats walking track, recreation reserves, schools, aged care facilities, and the Bairnsdale CBD.
Crews are set to get underway in October, with roadworks expected to be completed by mid-2025.
There will be changed traffic conditions to enable construction and every effort will be made to minimise the impact to road users as we deliver these important safety projects.
To learn more about the Bairnsdale Network Improvements, visit transport.vic.gov.au/bairnsdalenetworkimprovement.
Quotes attributable to Federal Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government Catherine King:
"The Albanese Government is investing in Bairnsdale's roads so that both locals and tourists spending time in this beautiful part of the world can get around safely and efficiently. We are working with the Victorian government on these vital improvements that will support Gippsland's growth."
Quote attributable to Victorian Minister for Roads and Road Safety Melissa Horne:
"We're investing in and delivering these intersection upgrades to make it easier and safer for the community to get to where they need to go - whether that's to work, school or the local shops."
Quote attributable to Federal Labor Senator for Victoria Raff Ciccone:
"These new intersections will make it easier to get in and out of town, and underpin Federal Labor's commitment to improving local roads across Gippsland."
Quote attributable to State Member for Eastern Victoria Tom McIntosh:
"This $16.2 million in joint funding will help to keep Bairnsdale moving as our community continues to grow."
