Work is progressing on Mallacoota Road in East Gippsland to boost safety for locals, freight and tourists as the region continues recovering from the devastating 2019 bushfires.
The upgrades will include sealing road shoulders, resurfacing, curve warning signs, targeted safety barriers and new line marking.
The works follow significant safety upgrades delivered on the road earlier this year, bringing the total investment for Mallacoota Road by the Australian and Victorian governments to $4.9 million under the Road Safety Program.
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Development said one life lost on Australian roads is one too many, which is why the Australian Government has committed $3 billion nationwide for the Road Safety Program.
“We recognise the importance of regional roads to the communities and industries that rely on them, which is why this work on Mallacoota Road is essential,” the Deputy Prime Minister said.
“Road Safety Program funding supports the fast roll-out of life-saving safety works on rural and regional roads and is another example of how we’re working to reduce serious injuries and the number of Australian lives lost on our roads.
“The Australian Government is committed to keeping our communities safe, while securing our economic recovery.”
Victorian Minister for Roads and Road Safety Ben Carroll said the Victorian Government is investing in significant safety upgrades across the state, with hundreds of new projects rolling out.
“Through this statewide program, we’re taking action to make regional roads safer with improvements such as shoulder sealing, rumble strips and targeted safety barriers,” Minister Carroll said.
“We know that these works on Mallacoota Road will help to prevent run-off-road crashes and save lives.”
Federal Member for Gippsland Darren Chester said the Federal Government was committed to improving roads in East Gippsland to help boost the local economy and tourism.
“Mallacoota was one of the most adversely impacted communities by the Black Summer bushfires,” Mr Chester said.
“We are pleased to be delivering upgrades that will not only improve access in emergencies but also make it easier for tourists to travel through the region.”
State Member for Eastern Victoria Jane Garrett said that locals and visitors would benefit from the safety improvements.
“These upgrades will ensure a safer and more resilient connection between the highway and coast for the hundreds of people travelling on Mallacoota Road every day,” Ms Garrett said.
