The people of South Gippsland are being encouraged to put their name to a fix for the dangerous and chaotic intersection of the South Gippsland Highway in Leongatha.
The Nationals Member for Gippsland South, Danny O’Brien said he has launched a petition calling on the State Government to deliver the Leongatha Heavy Vehicle Alternative Route Stage 2 to fix the disastrous intersection that resulted from stage one.
“There would be few things that I hear more complaints about in South Gippsland than the South Gippsland Highway intersection at McCartin, Roughead, Long and Hughes Streets.
“It is a dog’s breakfast and is only being further complicated by the Great Southern Rail Trail extension through Leongatha.
“I’ve recently had discussion with South Gippsland Shire which I understand is helping to build a case for this project and has listed it as one of its highest priorities for advocacy.
“I have also been briefed by Regional Roads Victoria and it’s clear this project is not a current priority of the Andrews Labor Government. 
“We need to change that and put this issue on the agenda to ensure that necessary government funding is put towards delivering a solution.”
Mr O’Brien said that there are a number of potential solutions but directing through traffic out along Hughes Street and back onto the highway either at Turner Street or further along towards Melbourne is likely to deliver the best solution.
“I’m open to hearing from motorists, truckies and of course engineers as to what is going to work best and it’s important that we undertake significant planning works to ensure we get this right. But we also need to build the political case for funding and as such I’m encouraging people to sign the petition I have established through Parliament online at https://www.parliament.vic.gov.au/assembly/petitions/e-petitions/view-sign-e-petitions/details/55/95.
“There are many tasks ahead of us on roads and road safety in South Gippsland but this one is important to get right as soon as possible.”