The Nationals Member for Gippsland South, Danny O’Brien, has again raised the need for the long-awaited Traralgon bypass, calling on the state government to stop delaying the project.
Speaking in Parliament, Mr O’Brien said with the Princes Highway duplication from Traralgon to Sale finally finished, it was now time to focus on the bypass.
“People passing through Traralgon are stuck at around a dozen sets of traffic lights and everyone is slowed down as a result,” Mr O’Brien noted.
“The bypass would not only fix that, but it would also be good for Traralgon by taking heavy traffic off local streets.”
Planning for the bypass has been going on for decades, but progress has been slow. Mr O’Brien is backing the bypass campaign of his Federal colleague, Member for Gippsland Darren Chester, and Member for Morwell, Martin Cameron.
Previous advice from the government pointed to rehabilitation of the Loy Yang Mine as a reason for delays, but Mr O’Brien says that’s not a real excuse.
“There’s really only one way the bypass can go – south of Traralgon, between the town and the mine,” Mr O’Brien said.
“We know the route we just need the government to get on with it.”
Mr O’Brien highlighted that the bypass also presents opportunities for flood mitigation along Traralgon Creek, improved road safety and faster travel for people heading east to Sale, Rosedale, Loch Sport, and beyond.
“The Traralgon bypass has been talked about for more than 35 years. Locals are frustrated, and so am I.
“It’s time for the state government to finish the planning and start turning this long-promised project into a reality.”