Projects

Maffra-Sale Road and Myrtlebank-Fulham Road intersection upgrade, Sale

We’re upgrading the Maffra-Sale Road and Myrtlebank-Fulham Road intersection as part of the planned Sale Alternative Truck Route. The upgrade will provide safer and more efficient journeys for freight and help reduce the volume of heavy vehicle traffic through central Sale.

Project status:

Planned

Overview

The Maffra-Sale Road and Myrtlebank-Fulham Road intersection upgrade includes the installation of a dual-lane roundabout at the intersection, the realignment of Myrtlebank Road and other road improvements.

A new roundabout at this intersection will eliminate the need for heavy vehicles to stop and turn at two intersections, reducing the risk and severity of crashes.

Funding for the Maffra-Sale Road and Myrtlebank-Fulham Road intersection upgrade has been provided with both the Australian and Victorian governments committing a combined $21.78 million towards the project.

Image of map showing the Sale Alternative Truck Route in Sale

Click to enlarge map

Details

The upgrade works will include:

a new roundabout
realignment of Myrtlebank Road
installation of safety barriers
improved road surface and line marking, and
improved lighting.

Benefits

The benefits of the upgrade include:

reduced travel time
improved efficiency for the freight network
reduced volume of heavy vehicle traffic through central Sale, and
improved road safety in the town and along the alternative truck route.

Next steps

We are carrying out pre-construction works to finalise the detailed designs for the Maffra-Sale Road and Myrtlebank-Fulham Road intersection upgrade.

Once the designs have been finalised a planning scheme amendment is required before the roundabout construction can go ahead.

Our pre-construction works include geotechnical, feature, noise, heritage, and environmental surveys.

Protecting our environment

We share the values the community places on our environment and take our responsibility to improve road safety while minimising the impact to the environment extremely seriously.

Our project teams develop designs to retain as much vegetation as possible.

We will obtain environmental approvals for these works and works will be carried out in accordance with a Construction Environmental Management Plan.

Sale Alternative Truck Route overview

We’ve been working with the Sale community to understand road network issues in the region since 2017. A truck route around Sale was identified as a high priority.

Our engagement for the Sale Alternative Truck Route targeted key stakeholders, including Wellington Shire Council, Sale community groups, emergency services, state and local freight industries, landowners and the broader community.

The Princes Highway through Sale experiences congestion, leading to delays and safety concerns in the town centre.

Many freight operators use a mix of arterial and local roads to between Sale-Heyfield Road and Myrtlebank- Fulham Road to bypass Sale.

Roads along this route were designed for local traffic, so upgrades are needed to accommodate heavy vehicles, and improve safety and traffic flow.

Efficient freight connections along this route are essential for transporting horticulture, dairy, timber, general freight and building materials.

An alternative truck route around Sale also supports local businesses and tourism by reducing congestion in Sale and providing improved access to the Gippsland Lakes.

Part of the Sale Alternative Truck Route project is the transfer of the management of the roads managed by Wellington Shire Council to the Department of Transport and Planning.

For further information see our Sale alternative truck route project page.