FEDERAL Senator for Victoria Michael Ronaldson has labelled the Ravenswood interchange "diabolical".
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Mr Ronaldson was in Bendigo on Tuesday to support the funding announcements of $45 million from the federal government and $41 million from the state government to upgrade the notorious intersection on the Calder Highway.
"I have driven through this interchange on dozens and dozens of occasions. It is a diabolical intersection," he said.
"I can't think of a worse interchange in the state. It's just a perfect storm
"There's low visibility as you approach it, it's a very busy road and the sooner we can get this (upgrade) done, the better."
Mr Ronaldson's comments echoed Victorian Treasurer Michael O'Brien.
Mr O'Brien, who was also in Bendigo on Tuesday, said the Ravenswood interchange project was a project that would save lives.
"I’ve driven past it a million times, it’s only when you stand there and feel the weight of the trucks thundering past you and you see the slope involved on the road you understand just how dangerous it is," he said.
"It’s not surprising that we’ve lost a number of our fellow citizens over the last few years. I think it is something like four fatalities in the past five years.
"This is an example of how state and federal governments can work together to deliver safer roads."
Mr O'Brien said it was a good feeling to contribute to a project that would help people live longer.
"This project will go to tender later this year and we will get construction underway," he said.
"When you stand for parliament, you try to do things that will have a positive impact on the community and projects where you can say, 'we made this happen' - it’s a pretty good feeling."