Upgrade for black spot intersection

THE intersection of the South Gippsland Highway and the road into Foster (Toora Road) is to be upgraded in a bid to make it safer for drivers.

Deputy Premier and Member for Gippsland South Peter Ryan announced this week that the government will allocate $300,000 to a safety upgrade of this major intersection as part of this year’s Safer Roads Infrastructure Program.

Mr Ryan said the funding would be used to extend the slip lane and also remove vegetation and cut back some of the embankment to improve sight distance.

“This much needed upgrade will improve driver safety by increasing the sight distance and increasing the length of the designated left turn slip lane on the South Gippsland Highway,” Mr Ryan said.

“By extending the slip lane, drivers turning right onto the highway from Toora Road will have a clearer view of approaching traffic.

“Drivers making a right-hand turn from the South Gippsland Highway into Toora Road will also benefit from the works as their sight distance will also be improved as a result of the works.”

Local police have welcomed the funding announcement, which comes in the wake of a spate of accidents at the intersection.

“The money being spent can only improve the intersection and the safety of people using it,” said Leading Senior Constable Darren Lomax of Foster police station.

“There have been a number of accidents here in recent years, some of them serious.”

Mr Ryan said he is confident the works will improve the overall operation and safety of the intersection and satisfy the local community’s calls for safety improvements at the intersection.

He said the funding was provided by the Transport Accident Commission through the Safer Roads Infrastructure Program, part of a 10-year-old commitment worth $650 million.

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