EOI OPEN FOR SOUTH GIPPSLAND HIGHWAY

The notorious stretch of the South Gippsland Highway at Black Spur, Koonwarra, has been given the go-ahead for a realignment upgrade. State Member for Eastern Victoria, Harriet Shing, explained that the safety of the road users and the area's importance as a transport/ commercial artery was a priority issue for the area.

The stretch of highway allocated for realignment requires several areas to have the road shoulders widened as well as the implementation of several safety barriers across a handful of key locations.  It is estimated that this portion of the highway sees approximately 4000 passenger vehicles and 1000 heavy vehicles each day.

“We're doing what we said we'd do—making the notorious Black Spur safer and improving freight connections along this important corridor,” Ms Shing said.

The importance of the South Gippsland Highway sector was also discussed by Federal Minister for Infrastructure and Transport Darren Chester, who said: “This stretch of road is critical to the region, providing access to the major tourist destination of Wilson's Promontory and a key route for the agriculture, dairy, oil and gas industries. Realigning the stretch will reduce run-off-road crashes, improve efficiency and connectivity for freight and reduce travel times.”

Victorian Minister for Roads and Road Safety Luke Donnellan has announced that pre-qualified contractors were invited to express interest in the project.

“Safety is our top priority. That's why we're investing in the realignment of the South Gippsland Highway at Black Spur, to remove several tight curves and widen the road to create a straighter, more level section of highway. As a result, the highway will be upgraded to ‘A’ class road standard, which will reduce travel times and improve road safety,” Mr Donnellan.

Federal Member for McMillan Russell Broadbent said shortlisted contractors would be invited to tender for the works later in 2017.

“This is an important project for the community and we're expecting the successful contractor to be announced in early 2018, with works on the ground to begin by the middle of the year,” Mr Broadbent said.

Tenders to deliver the project are expected to open later in 2017, with an expected completion date of 2021. The Australian Government and Victorian Government have each committed $25 million to fund the $50 million project.