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Work begins on the Morwell Public Transport Interchange

Construction has started on the Morwell Public Transport Interchange adjacent to Morwell Railway Station, which includes a new bus shelter, bus and taxi drop-off area, and separate private transport drop-off area.

By Latrobe City Council - 10th March 2004 - Back to News

Latrobe City Mayor, Councillor Graeme Middlemiss, said that the new works would provide bus, taxi and rail patrons with a pleasant and functional Interchange which is expected to be completed by June this year.

"The layout of the Interchange will provide for better separation of public transport from private vehicles, an improved drop-off zone for transport users, and a more comfortable and secure environment for those waiting for transport connections," Cr Middlemiss said.

Councillor Middlemiss said the Interchange created a safer precinct for public transport users well off the main road. "Changing from buses, taxis or even private transport to a train, particularly with a family in tow is a fairly stressful exercise. A well organised transport interchange such as the one being constructed, reduces problems with luggage handling and pram and pusher access, improves wheelchair access for people with a disability, and provides a safer environment for public transport users," Cr Middlemiss said.

Cr Bruce Lougheed said the adjoining area was being landscaped with trees and understorey to create a more amenable environment. "A key feature of the Interchange design is a large shelter where those waiting for public transport connections or their private transport to arrive, can comfortably escape inclement weather," Cr Lougheed said.

Cr Lougheed said extra care should be taken while the Interchange works are underway. "While Council staff members are working in consultation with the contractor and the Department of Infrastructure to minimise disruption to public transport users, the work site restricts some access around the station precinct. We ask those entering the precinct to take particular care at the moment. For the works to proceed it was necessary to remove the existing bus shelters, but we are sure that when the works are completed, public transport passengers will consider the temporary inconvenience has been worthwhile," Cr Lougheed added.

Work on the Interchange has been funded by a grant provided under the Connecting Transport Services Program offered by the Department of Infrastructure

Chairman of the Morwell CBD Revitalisation Taskforce, Councillor Darrell White, said that Latrobe City Council had also agreed to transfer funds from the Gippsland Intermodal Freight Terminal (GIFT) project at the behest of the State Minister for Transport, so that work could begin on a new pedestrian underpass in Morwell. Council would then reapply for GIFT funding once Freight Australia made its position clear.

"A specific timeframe for completion of this project will be developed over the next few weeks as discussions take place between State Government representatives and Council," Cr White explained.

"The existing redevelopment works, the new transport interchange and the new pedestrian underpass are all coming together and will complement each other to provide an exciting and functional public precinct in the heart of Morwell north of the railway line," Cr White said.

Source: www.gippsland.com

Published by: news@gippsland.com

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