Highway safety push leads to new truckstop in Gippsland

Building to start this year on Moe facility aimed at reducing Princes Highway risk

 

The Gippsland town of Moe is to host a new truck stop at its western end.

The project is part of a safety strategy to provide truck rest areas along the Princes Highway between Longwarry and the New South Wales border.

“This project will see a new truck stop built as well as significant upgrades to the freeway exit ramp and Old Gippstown car park,” federal infrastructure and transport minister Darren Chester says.

“Over recent months, we have been speaking with stakeholders including Latrobe City Council, the freight industry, and local community groups about what shape the project should take.”

Victorian roads minister Luke Donnellan said the location of the truck stop had now been determined in consultation with key stakeholders including the freight industry.

“We’re investing in this project to improve safety on Gippsland roads and increase road transport productivity,” Donnellan says.

“We’ve listened to truck drivers, the Victorian Transport Association and the local community, now we’re getting on with delivering a new truck stop for Moe.”

The VTA welcomed the united effort.

“The Commonwealth and Victorian governments are to be applauded for this bi-partisan support of a vital project that will help to combat fatigue and improve safety of all motorists,” VTA CEO Peter Anderson.

“The VTA thanks them for listening to industry and funding this important project.”

Federal MP for McMillan Russell Broadbent says the upgrade will provide truck drivers with a safe option to rest along one of the most challenging and demanding freight routes in the state.

“The project also includes significant upgrades to the existing freeway exit ramp and extensive landscaping to enhance the western entry to Moe,” Broadbent adds.

Construction is expected to start in late this year.

The federal government has committed $1.48 million under the Heavy Vehicle Safety and Productivity Programme, with the Victorian government also spending the same amount.

 

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