VIC highway safety upgrade complete

The $28.7 million safety upgrade to the Princes Freeway and Sand Road intersection in Longwarry, Victoria, is now complete and open to traffic.

According to Federal Minister for Infrastructure and Transport, Darren Chester, the project will provide a safer journey for the 25,000 vehicles that use the intersection each day.

“This interchange was one of regional Victoria’s worst black spots, with 60 crashes between 2000 and the end of 2015, resulting in three fatalities and several serious injuries,” he said.

“The intersection is now much safer, with new entry and exit freeway ramps seamlessly connecting local townships and service centres.”

Federal Member for McMillan, Russell Broadbent, said travel would be safer, easier and faster for road users between Gippsland and Melbourne along the Princes Freeway. “A major benefit of this project is the reinstatement of the 110 km/h speed limit, after it had been reduced in 2009 to 80km/h for the safety of motorists,” he said.

“The raising of the limit is welcome news to motorists and freight operators alike and will create a more consistent journey.”

Construction on the interchange started in October 2015. The Australian Government contributed $21.5 million and the Victorian Government $7.1 million to the project.