Strengthening works will soon begin on four bridges along the Princes Highway at Warragul and Drouin, with the upgrades set to improve freight efficiency, connectivity and road safety along one of Gippsland’s key transport corridors.
Buln Buln Road Bridges in Drouin and King Street Bridges in Warragul will have their existing pile caps and pier crossheads strengthened, while new micro-piles will be added to existing underground piers.
The Federal and Victorian Governments have each committed $22.37 million to strengthen multiple bridges as part of a wider $44.7 million Princes Highway Corridor Upgrades project.
As a vital link connecting the Gippsland region to Melbourne, the Princes Highway East is used by thousands of vehicles every day, commuting and transporting goods across the state.
Speed limit reductions and a detour to Buln Buln Road are likely to be in place at times to ensure drivers travel safely through the construction areas.
Drivers are being asked to follow the directions of roadwork signage and traffic controllers and allow additional travel time through the area.
More information and project updates are available on the Transport Victoria website.
Federal Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government, Catherine King, said the upgrades would support Victoria’s growing freight industry.
“These upgrades will support Victoria’s growing freight industry by boosting heavy vehicle capacity and connecting more goods to markets,” King said.
“The works will strengthen the road network in the east of our state and make these roads safer for everyone who uses them.”
Victorian Minister for Roads and Road Safety, Ros Spence, said the project would strengthen the state’s freight network.
“We’re securing the future of our roads and the wider Victorian freight network thanks to vital works along the Princes Highway,” Spence said.
“This important project not only strengthens our bridges but helps drive productivity in the Gippsland region and beyond.”
Senator for Victoria, Jess Walsh, said the works would deliver long-term benefits for the region.
“The start of works on this major milestone will be welcome news for the thousands of travellers using this key corridor daily,” Walsh said.
“Stronger bridges on the Princes Highway will deliver lasting benefits to producers, industries and communities in Gippsland by improving productivity and strengthening Victoria’s freight network.”
Victorian Member for Eastern Victoria, Harriet Shing, said the upgrades would support local communities and businesses.
“These bridge upgrades will strengthen a key connection for our growing local communities, businesses and freight operators who rely on the Princes Highway every day,” Shing said.
