The Victorian Government has exceeded its road maintenance targets, completing 110 per cent of its original goal to improve more than 1,800km of roads across regional Victoria.
Crews have been working over the warmer months to upgrade the state’s roads – delivering safer and smoother journeys for every road user after regular reviews of roads across the state for potential hazards and defects, and listening to motorists’ feedback.
With more Victorians choosing to explore locally as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, the maintenance blitz was designed to ensure more reliable routes to some of the state’s most iconic tourist destinations like the Hepburn region, Phillip Island, coastal areas in the south west and the picturesque High Country.
Victorian Minister for Roads and Road Safety, Ben Carroll, said, “We are making our regional roads safer, stronger and more reliable for everyone – not just improving journeys, but delivering local jobs when Victorians need them most.
“Our teams have delivered more than 1,800km of better roads across our state – including key tourist routes that are getting busier as more people take the opportunity to get out and explore our beautiful state.”
The works are also helping to keep freight on the move across the state, with upgrades on critical routes such as the Western, Henty and Hume Highways connecting Victorian farmers with domestic and international trade markets, and supporting jobs across the supply chain.
The improvements in the state’s west have smashed their targets – with upgrades already delivered on more than 485km of roads, exceeding the pre-season target of 370km by more than 30 per cent.
Teams have also repaired more than 185,000 potholes and 20,000 roadside signs have been fixed or replaced.
Victorian Minister for Regional Development and Member for Macedon, Mary-Anne Thomas, said, “Regional roads are the backbone of our economy and the gateway to the many wonderful country towns across our state – safer and more reliable roads are what country Victorians deserve.”
Before winter impacts construction conditions, the pace remains steady as crews continue to press ahead with extra maintenance. With road workers out in force and temporary changes to traffic conditions, drivers are reminded to be patient, obey the posted speed limits, and drive with caution.
The Victorian Government has also invested $124 million into roads as part of its Building Works package, ensuring Victoria’s road network runs smoothly while supporting local jobs for Victorians as the state recovers from the pandemic.
