- Minister for Roads
Drivers, cyclists and pedestrians will have a safer and easier journey through Echuca with a multi-million dollar upgrade under way at the Murray Valley Highway intersection of Ogilvie Avenue, Sturt Street and Old Aerodrome Road.
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Development Michael McCormack said the $5 million project was part of a commitment to improve safety on the Murray Valley Highway between Echuca and Yarrawonga.
"Communities and industry rely on our regional road network every day and this project will significantly increase safety while making the intersection easier to navigate," Mr McCormack said.
"Crews will construct new traffic lights, additional turning lanes, bike lanes and street lighting following on from community consultation."
Victorian Minister for Roads and Road Safety Jaala Pulford said the existing intersection required an upgrade as the number of people relying on the intersection continued to increase.
"With 17,000 drivers now using the intersection every day this investment will ensure a safer and easier journey through Echuca for local drivers and rural industry," Ms Pulford said.
Federal Member for Nicholls Damian Drum said cyclists would also find the intersection easier to navigate thanks to the installation of dedicated bike lanes as part of line marking works.
"We know cyclists and pedestrians previously found it difficult to safely move through the staggered intersection and constructing traffic lights with new line marking will essentially remove those challenges," Mr Drum said.
State Member for Northern Victoria Mark Gepp said increased safety was a key priority and the upgrade would also improve traffic flow.
"New traffic lights and additional turning lanes will give locals a safer and quicker journey through the upgraded intersection," Mr Gepp said.
Traffic management will be in place with lane closures expected and reduced speeds of 40km/h for the safety of the community and road workers. Works are expected to begin in late January and finish in late June 2020, weather permitting.
The $5 million project is part of a $20 million investment to increase safety on the Murray Valley Highway between Echuca and Yarrawonga with the Australian Government and Victorian
Government each contributing $10 million.
