The State Government has instructed the public service to do further preliminary work on a possible upgrade to the intersection of the Southern Ports Highway and the Southend Access Road near Southend.

Southend residents have lobbied decision-makers for several years about the perceived inadequacies of the T-junction and slip lane.

They have organised petitions, written letters and got the backing of members of parliament, Wattle Range Council and the RAA motoring organisation.

State Governments of both political colours have consistently refused to commit to a major upgrade citing relatively low crash data.

The latest action has been authorised by State Transport Minister and Labor Party MP Tom Koutsantonis in correspondence to Liberal MHR for Barker Tony Pasin.

As a political opponent, Minister Koutsantonis also took the opportunity to twice question Mr Pasin’s actions in this matter.

Minister Koutsantonis said the Southend intersection could qualify for funding under the National Black Spot Program which is coordinated by the Federal Government.

“While I am supportive of a Southend intersection submission, the location’s recent crash history – as outlined in my previous correspondence – may result in it being considered a lower priority when compared with other intersections,” he said.

“As a former Chair of the Commonwealth Black Spot Panel under the former Turnbull and Morrison Liberal Governments, I am surprised that you (Mr Pasin) did not secure funding for this project during your tenure.

“Nevertheless, I have requested the Department for Infrastructure and Transport to undertake further planning work for this intersection.

“This will include a road safety audit, which will be required to support a submission for the 2024-2025 National Black Spot Program (noting that applications have closed for the 2023-2024 National Black Spot Program).

“Whilst I note that you disagree with the department’s expert costing of the project, costings and reality are unable to be altered by your assertions.”