Question details
Morwell electorate
(536) My constituency question is for the Minister for Roads and Road Safety, and the information I seek is whether the minister is considering installing traffic lights at the intersection of Bank Street and the Princes Highway in Traralgon as a matter of urgency. I stood in this place in November asking for urgent action to finish the safety upgrade at this notorious intersection. I have still not received a reply. In that time there have been at least three accidents at Bank Street, and it is no exaggeration to say it is a deathtrap. We have been waiting nearly 18 months for the safety upgrades, and lives are being put at risk every day because of the government’s inaction. We are aware there is a hold-up with the railway signalling – that is clear – but the minister must at least install the traffic lights and do so immediately to protect the people who use this current, dangerous intersection on a daily basis.
All road upgrades are complete and traffic signal poles have been installed at this intersection. The traffic signals require a link with the adjacent railway crossing of Bank Street to ensure coordinated signal operation when a train is approaching, which is being upgraded as part of the Gippsland Line Upgrade (GLU).
The Department of Transport and Planning (DTP) is investigating interim measures at this intersection, ahead of the final interlinking with the railway crossing signals.
While it investigates interim measures to facilitate interlinking, DTP will modify linemarking and trim vegetation to make the intersection more visible to drivers and review the current speed limits on the Princes Highway.
Work on commissioning the Gippsland Line Upgrade is being coordinated with the Victorian Government’s massive investment in road and rail upgrades in the region and across the state as part of the Big Build. This part of the project involves complex signalling work. Rail Projects Victoria are working closely with their contractors to ensure this work can be delivered to the community as quickly as possible. Details of commissioning for the project will be made available once dates are confirmed.
Hon Melissa Horne MP
Minister for Casino, Gaming and Liquor Regulation
Minister for Local Government
Minister for Roads and Road Safety
Minister for Ports and Freight