Question details
Question on Notice
With reference to the $964 million road maintenance blitz announced on 14 October 2024:
(1) Will the installation of the traffic lights at Bank Street intersection be completed as part of this blitz.
(2) Will the road level be raised along the causeway on Tyers Road in Tyers to stop repeated flooding and closure of this important arterial road.
(3) Will new prepare to stop electronic warning signs be installed on the Princes Highway at the approaches to the Fire Rescue Victoria and Ambulance Victoria facilities in Traralgon, to enhance safety and traffic flow along this section of the Princes Highway.
I thank the Member for Morwell for his question.
(1) The $964 million is provided to improve the condition of Victoria’s arterial road network and is a separate program to the Princes Highway and Bank Street intersection upgrade, which is part of the Commonwealth Government’s commitment to upgrade the Princes Highway Corridor in partnership with the Victorian Government. As previously advised, 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).
(2) There are no current plans to raise the road level along the causeway section of Tyers Road. As noted previously, raising the road level along the causeway was investigated early in planning for the project. This was ultimately not adopted, noting the statutory requirements relating to adverse upstream impacts would effectively require bridging this entire section of road.
(3) I am advised that the Department of Transport and Planning (DTP) is currently reviewing the operation of the signals at this location to ensure they meet technical standards and safety requirements. As part of this review, DTP has conducted a site visit and met with a representative of Fire Rescue Victoria. DTP is now collaborating with its specialist signal operations area to identify necessary changes that will enhance safety and traffic flow along this section of the Princes Highway. This review includes the consideration of new signing, either electronic or standard. A comprehensive assessment will be carried out to ensure that any modifications do not introduce new safety or traffic issues.
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