The state government will invest $780 million to rebuild, repair and resurface more than 365 kilometres of roads across central Victoria.
In a statement, the government said workers would spend the next eight months delivering more than 290 individual projects across the region’s travel and transpirt routes, including the Calder Highway, Lancefield-Tooboorac Road and Tylden-Woodend Road.
“The roads set to be targeted under the maintenance blitz have been selected based upon expert inspections and community feedback, ensuring that works are delivered where local drivers need them most,” the government said.
Crews will deliver more than 1300 road maintenance projects, patch thousands of potholes and replace and repair 20,000 roadside signs.
The government said the investment will also ensure other vital parts of the road network are “up to scratch, including rebuilding bridges and maintaining traffic lights.
Macedon MP Mary-Anne Thomas said roads in the region were “critical” for getting residents where they need to go.
“Since 2014, we’ve made record investments in upgrading and maintaining the state’s road network and this work will continue over the next eight months – with a majority of funding spent in regional Victoria,” Ms Thomas said.
“Right across the state, crews will begin repairing and rebuilding the roads that regional Victorians rely on most, connecting people with employment and education opportunities, key freight routes, family and friends.”
The government said the works would use the latest technology and methods to ensure the road maintenance program delivers the best results for all Victorians, while also continuing to support an estimated 1800 jobs.
“An additional $3.2 million of funding will be invested in maintaining regional roadsides, with more mowing, weed spraying and graffiti removal work set to be completed across the network,” the government said.
