‘Dangerous, windy’ road now safer for heavy vehicles

AN ALMOST 1km-long stretch of the Grantville Glen Alvie Road is easier and safer for heavy vehicle drivers to negotiate after the completion of a Bass Coast Shire Council managed, state government funded project.

The improved section of road will better cater for vehicles transporting beef, wool and other farm produce.

The more than $1.1 million of funding came through two state government departments - Agriculture Victoria and the Department of Transport.

Minister for Agriculture Mary-Anne Thomas and Member for Bass Jordan Crugnale met with Bass Coast Shire Mayor Cr Michael Whelan, Cr Clare Le Serve and council CEO Ali Wastie alongside the new road section on Tuesday, May 10, to officially declare its completion.

The state government’s AgriLinks Upgrade Program, which supports local governments in improving roads used by farmers and heavy vehicles, provided $350,000 in funding.

And while the program is intended to reduce travel times and better connect country roads to major transport routes, the new 940-metre section of bitumen will most importantly improve safety.

“It’s a vital link and it was terribly dangerous due to its winding nature and uneven road surface,” Cr Le Serve said.

Minister Thomas spoke of the importance of supporting primary producers and improving road infrastructure used to transport their goods.

“AgriLinks is about getting food to market safely and more efficiently,” she said.

Ms Crugnale emphasised the importance of Bass Coast and South Gippsland Shires in supplying food and the value of support through AgriLinks.

“Agriculture is part of the character of Bass Coast and it really is important,” Cr Whelan said, explaining council’s decision to pursue the Grantville Glen Alvie Road Heavy Vehicle Access Improvement Project and apply for state government funding to bring it to fruition.

“The delivery of the AgriLinks Upgrade Program will support our farmers and provide safer roads for all users,” Cr Whelan said.

The AgriLinks Upgrade Program is a $20 million initiative.

While the program was the major focus at Tuesday’s gathering, the majority of the funding for the upgraded section of Grantville Glen Alvie Road came through the state government’s Department of Transport.