The Victorian Government has started inspecting and repairing the roads most affected by recent flooding and extreme rainfall in the state’s regional areas.
This work will take place between now and June 2024.
The state government says the project is part of a wider “maintenance strategy”, and it plans to invest $6.6 billion over 10 years in fixing the state’s roads.
This year the government claims its focus is on patching and repairing existing damage before “future-proofing our roads to make sure they last”.
The project will include inspecting and maintaining bridges, traffic lights and signage as well as ensuring appropriate maintenance of vegetation along the roadside is completed to reduce any bushfire risk in the warmer months.
The government says its strategy will create an additional 360 local jobs and boost the economy in regional communities.
Over the last 12 months, 1800km of roads received repair work including resurfacing and sealing works. Some major roads included the Western, Hume, Calder, Sunraysia and Murray Valley highways.
The state government claims over 370,000 potholes have been filled in, 21,000 signs replaced and tens of thousands of kilometres of roadside grass and weeds have been maintained.
“We know we are facing a significant and complex repair program after some of the worst floods in our state’s
history – that’s why our plan is backed by a long-term funding commitment and data-driven plan to fix our roads,” said Minister for Roads and Road Safety Melissa Horne.
