Students will still be forced to cross train tracks and four lanes of traffic to get to school after the Allan Labor Government reneged on its promise to deliver a pedestrian underpass in Traralgon.
As part of Labor’s promised Kosciuszko Street and Bank Street improvement works, an underpass beneath the Gippsland Rail Line was meant to be completed in 2023.
But under sustained pressure from the Nationals’ Member for Morwell, Martin Cameron, the Minister for Roads has now confirmed the underpass won’t be delivered.
“I’m disgusted, though not surprised, that Labor has added to its trail of broken promises and failed projects across the Latrobe Valley,” Mr Cameron said.
“It’s no exaggeration to say that students risk their lives every day by crossing the train tracks and the Princes Highway just to get to school.”
Instead of delivering the promised underpass, Labor has committed to building a gated crossing and footpath on the northern side of the highway from Kosciuszko Street to the Bank Street intersection.
“Students will not walk further up to use the gated pedestrian crossing, if it’s ever delivered, and backtrack to get to school,” Mr Cameron said.
“There is already a pedestrian refuge on Bank Street that effectively encourages people to climb rock faces to cross the train line.
“It’s no stretch to imagine the disaster that would occur if someone tripped on a rock and ended up on the train tracks.
“With the new timetable, there are now trains travelling through this intersection at high speed in the morning and afternoon when students are walking to and from school.
“The only viable and safe solution to this problem is an underpass or overpass.
“I will not accept this outcome, and I’m calling on local parents, school councils, and golf club members to join me in demanding the Allan Labor Government deliver this vital project.”
