The upgrade of Rosedale’s busiest intersection along the Princes Highway in Victoria is now open to traffic and is set to deliver a safer and more efficient route for truck drivers.

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Development, Michael McCormack, said the addition of a free-flowing left-turn lane at the Princes Highway and Lyons Street roundabout ensured trucks no longer had to move into the right lane to turn left towards Sale, removing a significant bottleneck and improving safety.

“In addition to vastly improving safety at the intersection, the $2.09 million upgrade will improve freight productivity and provide better traffic flow for local and visiting motorists alike,” said McCormack.

Victorian Minister for Roads and Road Safety, Luke Donnellan, said the upgrade had improved pedestrian safety in the area with street lighting on all approaches to the roundabout.

“This upgrade will boost safety and visibility for anyone travelling through Rosedale’s busiest intersection, with new footpaths giving pedestrians a safer crossing point,” said Donnellan.

Federal Member for Gippsland, Darren Chester, said the upgrade had transformed the eastern approach to the heart of Rosedale.

“The new roundabout complements other streetscape improvements being undertaken in Rosedale, which are designed to encourage drivers to stop, take a break from driving and enjoy some of what the town has to offer,” said Chester.

State Member for Eastern Victoria, Harriet Shing, said VicRoads worked closely with Wellington Shire Council and the Rosedale community to develop the project.

“Locals are already benefitting from a much smoother and safer ride through Rosedale and the dangerous left turn by trucks from the right lane is gone for good,” said Shing.

The project will also include the relocation of the Cenotaph and Memorial Wall from their current location near the roundabout to Prince Street Reserve later this year, following consultation with Wellington Council, Rosedale RSL and the local community.

The project is jointly funded under the Heavy Vehicle Safety and Productivity Program with the Australian and Victorian governments each contributing $1.045 million.