The Nationals’ Member for Shepparton District, Kim O’Keeffe, has asked the Minister for Roads and Road Safety in Parliament for a time frame on when works will begin on the Goulburn Valley Highway and Graham Street intersection upgrade.
The Victorian Government committed $700,000 in 2022 to deliver traffic signals to improve the safety and operation of the intersection.
This state funding was accompanied by $2.2 million from the Federal Government in last year’s budget for extended works at this intersection.
Speaking in Parliament, Ms O’Keeffe outlined the importance of an upgrade to the busy intersection.
“This is a dangerous intersection on a major road with high-volume traffic,” she said.
“The upgrade will include new traffic lights, pavement widening and reconstruction work, pavement line marking, new street lighting and improved signage and accessibility for pedestrians and cyclists.
“GV Health is also located on Graham Street, and this intersection is a main access road to GV Health. It is also a very busy school bus route.”
More than two years on from this announcement no works have begun.
“The money has been allocated and it’s completely unacceptable that a simple but much needed intersection upgrade is taking so long to get underway,” Ms O’Keeffe said.
“The current situation is untenable and unsafe. Anyone who tries to cross that intersection particularly during peak times is faced with congestion and difficulty to navigate the dangerous intersection.
“Our region is growing and we need to have adequate traffic management and infrastructure at busy intersections.
“This plays into a broader concern of Labor’s neglect of regional roads and crucial infrastructure projects for our community like this upgrade and the Shepparton bypass.
“Road safety should be a priority.
“I look forward to hearing from the Minister and I expect her to provide a clear timeline for the commencement and completion of these works.”
