VicRoads is planning for the future upgrade of the Princes Highway East to extend the four-lane divided highway between Traralgon and Sale.
As the primary route between Melbourne and Gippsland, the Princes Highway supports key industries including dairy, timber, paper and gas production. It provides a critical transport link for service industries and to the RAAF base at Sale.
The upgraded highway will improve road safety, reduce travel times and costs, and will assist road freight efficiency for goods an produce transported to and from Gippsland and eastern Victoria.
The Princes Highway duplication is a key project identified in the Victorian Transport Plan and the Australian Government's Nation Building Economic Stimulus Plan. To date Australian Government funding of $140 million has been committed for planning and future works including $17.5 million in 2009/10.
Construction staging and timing of future works will be considered as part of the Planning Study, and in line with future project funding. Initial works are expected to commence at Traralgon East by early 2010.
View details of current planning and works:
Planning studies and activities now underway involve:
- establishing the required road reservation where proposed works extend beyond the existing highway reserve
- community consultation to obtain feedback on alignment options
- refining project costs
- environmental, social and cultural impact assessments
VicRoads will provide regular construction and planning updates, website information and newspaper advertising to keep local people and stakeholders aware of progress. Community members are invited to visit the VicRoads Regional office to discuss matters with staff and to view development plans.
Community information and consultation sessions and consultion to date have been conducted at:
- Sale in November 2008 - with local residents, businesses and stakeholders to view and discuss concept plans for the proposed highway duplication between Fulham and Sale
- Traralgon East in May 2009 - with local residents and business owners in the Traralgon area for the Traralgon East duplication
VicRoads is committed to protecting and enhancing the natural environment and considering cultural heritage. As part of the Planning Study VicRoads will develop options for each section, undertake environmental assessments and will consult with stakeholders on environmental impacts and issues.
Environmental studies have identified significant vegetation along the existing Princes Highway corridor between Traralgon and Sale known as Plains Grassy Woodland. This ecological class of vegetation includes trees, shrubs and native grasses. Only 10 per cent of this original vegetation now remains.
Remaining areas of Plains Grassy Woodland are recognised by State and Federal authorities and are protected by the Victorian Planning and Environment and Flora and Fauna Guarantee Acts, the Victorian Native Vegetation Framework and the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act.
- Call VicRoads Regional Office on (03) 5172 2666
- Write to the Project Director - South Eastern Projects, PO Box 2214, Fountain Gate 3805
- E-mail the planning team at vicroads.southeasternprojects@roads.vic.gov.au
- Visit VicRoads Regional Office at 120 Kay Street, Traralgon