LETTER TO THE EDITOR:
IN response to the article in (Gippsland Times 20/2) headed ‘Comment still sought on Traralgon bypass’, I believe the $1.4 million budgeted to planning for the proposed Traralgon bypass is a fantastic initiate of the state and federal governments.
Lowering travel times for passenger vehicles, commercial trucks and buses, would have a positive flow-on affect to the greater Gippsland region.
Increased tourism, through increased traffic volumes from Melbourne and surrounding areas, and the cost-savings for local and national commercial logistics carriers would be welcome.
The proposed route would also create less congestion for Gippsland travellers through to Melbourne and back.
The amount of time it takes to get from the east side of Traralgon through to the west towards Melbourne, has for too long been inconvenient to all road users.
There is no doubt that reduced traffic volumes through Traralgon would also improve the safety of road users and pedestrians in and around the current Princes Highway.
Traralgon obviously benefited from the construction of the bypass of Morwell, and considering current usage, they estimate around 35,000 to 40,000 vehicles would use the proposed Traralgon bypass daily.
This should reinforce the government’s decision to commence construction without delay, subject to funding and applications for tender.
This road planning initiative by VicRoads would be welcome by all Gippsland residents and metropolitan road users.
The economic impact would be greatly beneficial to the local and state economy.
I believe the studies undertaken should have already proved this.
Government spending on improving infrastructure is always welcome, and I hope this becomes a long-term financial and economic priority for the government.
