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Eastern Beach Road intersection upgrade and improved pedestrian access for schoolers urged by Darren Chester to Victorian and federal governments

Darren Chester is urging State and Federal Transport Ministers to act immediately to protect lives on a dangerous section of the Princes Highway in Lakes Entrance.

By news@gippsland - 3rd February 2023 - Back to News

Federal Member for Gippsland Darren Chester said a failure to upgrade the Eastern Beach Road intersection and adjoining pedestrian access was threatening the lives of school children and visitors to the region. Mr Chester has written to both the state and federal governments seeking an urgent explanation as to why work hasn't started on the Eastern Beach Road intersection with the Princes Highway, more than two years after federal government funding was secured.

Darren Chester says lives are at risk due to the failure to improve pedestrian safety and upgrade the Eastern Beach Rd intersection despite $4 million in federal government funding

Improve pedestrian safety

Mr Chester said, "I'm worried that someone will be killed or seriously injured before the two levels of government get their acts together and install traffic lights, and improve pedestrian safety in front of local businesses."

"It's extremely frustrating for locals when $4 million funding was secured from the federal government in December 2020 but we still haven't seen any final designs or any construction work."

"While the bureaucrats in Canberra and Melbourne are pointing their fingers at each other, local residents are at risk of serious injuries on a corner which has become increasingly busy. I've met with business owners and concerned residents on-site everyone agrees we just need to get the job done. " Mr Chester said.

Keeping kids safe

Mr Chester said St Brendan's Primary School officials were also worried about the safety of students and supported new footpaths and the installation of traffic lights at the intersection.

"I'm not going to stop fighting on behalf of local families and visitors to our region. Over the holiday period, we had young children on bikes and scooters in close proximity to the industrial area and sadly, it's only a matter of time until someone gets hurt." Mr Chester said.

Pictures from Darren Chester MP website.

Source: http://gippsland.com/

Published by: news@gippsland.com