A major upgrade of York Street to entice travelling motorists to stop and explore Sale, as well as improve ride quality and traffic safety, is a step closer to being completed.
Wellington Shire Council awarded the contract for works on the central section of the York Street Revitalisation Project at last week's Council meeting.
Improved roadside landscaping, upgraded footpaths, new street lighting and an upgraded smoother road surface will greet motorists on York Street (Princes Highway) once the $13.1 million project is completed.
The project also involved the removal and undergrounding of power lines, which was completed along with the first rollout of centre median lights earlier this year.
The upgrade is being undertaken in several stages along York Street.
The southern section from Foster Street to Macalister Street is almost complete and work on the northern section from Stawell Street to Raglan Street is due to start in January. The central section will start around March next year.
Wellington Shire Council Mayor Ian Bye said the new-look stretch of road would be visually more attractive and the works would also improve traffic safety along the busy street.
"For anyone passing along York Street, the streetscape works will look great and will entice people off the highway and into the CBD," Cr Bye said.
"It will have a look and feel similar to recent upgrades in the Yarram, Rosedale and Maffra CBDs and the outer areas of York Street.
"By having a beautiful streetscape and with easy access to enter CBDs, we expect visitors to be more likely to stop, take a look around and spend their money in town."
A key part of the project is the installation of traffic lights at the intersection of York Street and Cunninghame Street.
Council is working with Regional Roads Victoria on the design of the intersection and engagement with key stakeholders.
The intersection plan has taken into consideration queues from McDonald's drive-thru and a lack of gaps for traffic turning from Princes Highway into Cunninghame Street. Council will monitor the drive-thru after the traffic lights are installed.
Federal Member for Gippsland Darren Chester, who secured $11.68 million for the project, said the works would improve the town's attractiveness and encourage travellers to stop instead of passing through.
"Having more visitors stop in our region is a boost for local businesses and our economy and helps support local jobs," Mr Chester said.
"Also improving traffic flow will help reduce congestion and keep motorists and pedestrians safer on our roads."
The cost of the project is being funded by the Federal Government ($11.68 million), Wellington Shire Council ($1.17 million) and the State Government ($250,000).
To learn more about the project visit www.wellington.vic.gov.au/development/major-projects-and-works
