Improving Safety and Connectivity on Old Sale Road
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Published on 07 November 2018
A 2.31 kilometre section of Old Sale Road will be redeveloped to improve safety and access for community and emergency services, and increase connectivity and productivity for agribusiness.
The $520,000 project received a $513,300 funding boost from the Victorian Government’s Fixing Country Roads Program announced last week. The balance will be funded through Council’s Capital Works Program.
Works will take place on the stretch of road between Honneckers and Shady Creek Roads and include:
Increasing the pavement strength and width Repairing existing sections Sealing shoulders on corners Improving drainage Vegetation trimmingThe strengthened pavement and wider shoulder of the road will provide for safe passing of vehicles, reducing the likelihood of collisions or near misses.
In addition to improved commuter safety, there are many economic benefits to this project.
Heavy farm vehicles and trucks transporting produce, livestock and supplies will benefit from improved access. Heavy vehicles will be able to safely use the road at the recommended speed resulting in productivity improvements such as reduced travel times and lower costs for industry transporters.
This project has been identified as a priority among 28 other Gippsland road projects in a report prepared by the Gippsland Regional Road Group (GRRG), a subcommittee of the Gippsland Local Government Network (GLGN).
The tender for works is currently being prepared. Works are expected to commence in the new year with completion expected by mid-2019.
Quotes attributable to East Ward Cr Peter Kostos“Old Sale Road is a key agriculture road with several beef farms, dairy farms and other agribusinesses located along the route. By upgrading this important section of road there will be vast connectivity improvements for heavy vehicles including large B-double agricultural trucks, milk tankers and produce carriers.”
“In addition to supporting local farmers, this road upgrade will drastically improve safety and access for all road users including our community and emergency services.”
Quotes attributable to East Ward Cr Darren Wallace“This upgrade will improve travel time and efficiency while decreasing associated costs for farmers and industry transporters. It is estimated that commercial heavy vehicles will save approximately 400-500 hours per year in travel time following the road upgrade – this is valuable time and money saved for our hardworking local farmers and agribusinesses.”
Quotes attributable to East Ward Cr Michael Leaney“The upgraded road will provide a safer alternative to the main arterial road of the region, the Princes Freeway, and provide local producers an enhanced route to market for their produce improving their economic performance across the board. Local residents and other road users will also benefit greatly from this upgrade.”
Quotes attributable to Central Ward Cr Joe Gauci“We are grateful to receive this significant funding boost by the Victorian Government’s Fixing Country Roads Program and thank them for their continued investment into improving local roads.”
“Additionally, the support and advocacy by Council, the GLGN and GRRG has been instrumental in getting this project over the line and we thank each partnering group for their research, dedication, and commitment to improving road safety in our Shire.”
Image: Location of works along Old Sale Road.