Works have begun on the $20 million Calder Highway Bendigo to Mildura upgrade to increase safety at the Calder Highway and Patchewollock−Sea Lake Road intersection.
A new T intersection and right hand turning land will aim to provide increased safety and capacity, benefitting primary producers and freight operators.
Works are expected to be completed by late 2018, with the Federal and Victorian Governments each investing $10 million into the project.
Victorian Minister for Roads and Road Safety Luke Donnellan said a new centre island, safety barrier and road surface will be built as part of the project.
“This intersection no longer met the needs of the community – so we’re getting on and fixing it because everyone deserves to get where they’re going safely,” Mr Donnellan said.
“These improvements will help our regional producers transport their goods to market faster and more safely, while improving access for heavy freight vehicles.”
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Development Michael McCormack said the upgrade boosts productivity and safety for regional producers in Mildura who rely on the vital connection to get agricultural freight to market in Bendigo and Melbourne.
Federal Member for Mallee Andrew Broad said the upgrade would significantly boost safety across the region.
“We have plenty of local truck drivers and commuters on this stretch every day; this upgrade is going to go a long way in keeping our drivers and our communities safe across the Wimmera Mallee,” Mr Broad said.
State Member for Northern Victoria Mark Gepp said the upgrade will benefit locals as well as a growing number of tourists, including those visiting nearby Lake Tyrell.
“With more people using this stretch to visit Bendigo and Melbourne, we’re making sure the Calder is safer and more reliable for years to come,” Mr Gepp said.
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