Victorian Nationals: Martin Cameron – If we can’t go under the rail line, we’ll have to go over it

Stalled construction of a pedestrian underpass connecting Kosciuszko Street and Bank Street in Traralgon has drawn criticism from The Nationals’ Member for Morwell, Martin Cameron.

As part of the Allan Labor Government’s promised Kosciuszko Street and Bank Street improvement works, an underpass beneath the Gippsland Rail Line was meant to be completed in 2023.

“This project is nearly three years overdue, and we are still none the wiser about when it will be delivered to improve safety for pedestrians.

“Many students from the south side of the Princes Highway continue to put their lives at risk by crossing the train tracks to attend school because there is no other safe passage to Kosciuszko Street.”

Mr Cameron said he was concerned about the future of the promised works, pointing to the Transport Victoria website where all references to the underpass have been removed.

“The website now states the government is ‘exploring solutions’ for safe pedestrian access, which indicates there are serious issues with the proposed underpass,” he said.

“Could it be that the government failed to properly consult with V/Line in the first instance and has now discovered an underpass can’t be built because it would interfere with critical infrastructure under the train line?

“If that’s the case then discussions must now turn to whether an overpass can be built instead of an underpass.

“I’ve written to the Minister for Roads demanding answers about these long overdue works, because regional Victorians deserve better than a government that puts their safety in the too-hard basket.”

Caption: Stalled construction of a pedestrian underpass connecting Kosciuszko Street and Bank Street in Traralgon has prompted criticism from The Nationals’ Member for Morwell, Martin Cameron.

To arrange an interview with Martin Cameron, contact Kate Withers on 5133 9088