The Australian Government will provide $3.5 million to build a dual-lane roundabout in Cape Woolamai, matching $3.5 million funding from the Victorian Government.
Federal Minister for Infrastructure and Transport Darren Chester said the project would reduce queueing and the risk of crashes at the intersection of Phillip Island Road and Woolamai Beach Road.
“Across the nation, the Australian Government has committed over $75 billion to crucial transport infrastructure projects, helping cut travel times, drive business efficiencies and save lives. This project on Phillip Island shows how this investment is spread to all corners of the country, with this new roundabout set to greatly benefit both local motorists and tourists on the island,” Mr Chester said.
Victorian Minister for Roads and Road Safety Luke Donnellan said the upgrade would improve traffic flow on Phillip Island Road.
“When complete, the new roundabout will reduce queues and delays while making it easier for locals and tourists to get in and out of Woolamai Beach Road,” Mr Donnellan said.
Federal Member for Flinders Greg Hunt said the upgrade would reduce accidents, decrease travel times and allow residents and visitors to get safely to and from Phillip Island.
“This is a fast-growing area and Phillip Island Road has long been problematic for both locals and visitors, with 121 recorded casualty crashes in the 10-year period to March 2016. Collisions have resulted in serious injuries and delays of several hours for motorists travelling on and off the Island,” Mr Hunt said.
Member for Eastern Victoria Harriet Shing said the upgrade would be a boost to Phillip Islands’ thriving tourism industry.
“3.5 million people visit Phillip Island every year, that’s why we’re upgrading this roundabout to make it safer for local residents and visitors,” Ms Shing said.
The Australian and Victorian governments are funding the project on a 50:50 basis. Detailed design and preliminary works such as service relocation are expected to occur throughout 2017, with the tender process and construction due in 2018. The upgrade is expected to be complete by mid-2019.