The initiative aims to rebuild, repair, and resurface crucial roads, ensuring safe and efficient travel for both drivers and freight.
Over the course of the next seven months, until June 2024, crews will undertake numerous projects across the region’s vital trade and travel routes including the Kiewa Valley Highway, the Murray Valley Highway, and Beechworth-Wodonga Rd.
Residents of Rutherglen can anticipate significant improvements on local roads, with works scheduled for sections of Chiltern-Rutherglen Rd, Shelley-Walwa Rd, and Rutherglen-Springhurst Rd.
Across Victoria, hundreds of thousands of projects will be initiated, ranging from patching potholes to mowing tens of thousands of kilometres of roadside grass. Additionally, a focus will be placed on the repair and strengthening of bridges, culverts, and retaining walls, ensuring the structural integrity of these essential elements.
State Member for Northern Victoria Jaclyn Symes, stressed the urgency of this initiative, especially following last year’s extreme weather conditions.
“Last year was one of Victoria’s wettest years on record, and it’s caused unprecedented damage to roads right across the state – that’s why we’re investing $770 million as part of a 10-year maintenance masterplan for Victoria’s roads,” she said.
The $2.8 billion investment, spanning a decade, includes a significant allocation for flood recovery efforts, bringing the total expenditure on road maintenance and renewal works to at least $6.6 billion over the next ten years. This funding model prioritises regional Victoria, where the aftermath of last year’s flooding and extreme rainfall has left a considerable impact.
“Whether you’re a local or a visitor exploring all the north-east has to offer, these works will ensure your journey is smoother, safer, and more reliable,” Ms Symes said.
As the warmer weather approaches, motorists can expect to see an influx of workers carrying out these upgrades across the state.