Crossing the Princes Highway at Lakes Entrance is now safer, with the completion of two new sets of pedestrian crossing lights in time for the busy summer holiday period.
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Development, Michael McCormack, said the Federal Liberal and Nationals’ Government is proud to deliver these significant road infrastructure safety improvements in East Gippsland.
“These upgrades are going to redefine the Lakes Entrance foreshore with better links to the main shopping precinct, creating a safer and more accessible destination for residents and visitors,” Mr McCormack said.
Victorian Minister for Roads, Jaala Pulford, said the upgrades delivered on the Victorian Government’s focus on pedestrian safety with the introduction of new pedestrian-operated signals, additional street lighting, pedestrian refuges and a raised platform.
“Pedestrians are among our most vulnerable road users and safety improvements such as pedestrian lights and raised safety platforms go a long way towards creating a safer environment for people crossing country roads,” Ms Pulford said. “These upgrades form part of a larger package of improvements planned for Lakes Entrance, with upcoming works to include widening of the foreshore walking path, installation of new overhead solar lighting between Bullock Island and Myer Street and upgrades to the Carpenter Street intersection.”
Federal Member for Gippsland, Darren Chester, said the new signalised pedestrian lights, installed at the intersection of the Princes Highway and Barkes Avenue and to the east of Mechanics Street as part of ongoing upgrades through Lakes Entrance, would improve the amenity of the town and make it safer for locals and visitors alike.
“Lakes Entrance is a holiday hotspot, attracting thousands of families every year. In addition to improvements at the Jemmys Point lookout and the western entrance to town, these works will make Lakes Entrance a more attractive place to live and visit,” Mr Chester said.
The project is part of the $50 million Princes Highway East-Sale to the New South Wales Border Upgrade, which is jointly funded by the Australian and Victorian governments on a 50-50 basis.
