Sections of the Calder Freeway will be restricted to just one lane indefinitely, causing ongoing frustration for road users traversing between Mount Macedon and Kyneton.
The lane closures on both north and south-bound directions will slow traffic to 60km/h while works are under way to address the road surface damage caused by recent heavy rainfall.
Department of Transport Loddon Mallee regional director Melanie Hotton said the department understood the importance of reopening the closed sections and was working with contractors to “finalise delivery timelines for repair works”.
“We will continue to keep the community informed about the status of these closures and thank them for their ongoing patience and understanding,” she said.
“Periods of heavy rainfall like we are currently experiencing due to a third consecutive La Niña weather pattern can cause greater damage to our roads and make it harder for crews to undertake road repairs.”
It is understood more than $3.2 million will be spent rebuilding seven sections of the Calder Freeway.
Motorists will face continued roadworks and associated closures with a further 18 resurfacing works projected for 42 kilometres of the Calder between now and June 2023.