Premier

Work Begins to Upgrade Regional Bridges and Crossings

19 February 2015

The Andrews Labor Government will strengthen bridges along major regional freight corridors and improve safety at 52 regional level crossings.

Premier Daniel Andrews joined Minister for Roads, Luke Donnellan, and Member for Eastern Victoria, Harriet Shing, at Tyers Rd in Traralgon today to announce the Stronger Country Bridges Program and the Safer Country Crossings Program.

$35.8 million in funding will be fast-tracked to strengthen 48 bridges in regional Victoria, which will reduce transport costs for freight and increase productivity.

The previous Coalition Government neglected transport infrastructure links in country Victoria. Load limits were imposed on several major routes due to deterioration.

Work is expected to commence this year on the first stage of the program, which will focus on 17 priority bridges that have deteriorated to such an extent that semi-trailers and B-doubles cannot use them.

Mr Andrews also announced the $50 million Safer Country Crossings Program, which will boost safety at 52 priority roads and level crossings which carry high speed passenger trains or a high number of heavy vehicles. The upgrades will include works to install flashing lights and boom gates.

$2 million will be fast tracked to begin works on three level crossing upgrades: at Springhurst near Wangaratta, Gnotuk near Camperdown and Pirron Yallock near Colac. Work will commence this year.

The crossing at Springhurst is close to a dangerous curve, and recent incidents occurred at the level crossings in Gnotuk and Pirron Yallock.

Twenty five pedestrian crossings at 13 priority locations will also be upgraded. Automatic gates will be installed and emergency exit gates will be fitted with electromagnetic latches.

This is in addition to the Labor Government’s guarantee of $1 billion in funding to upgrade and repair unsafe and congested roads across regional Victoria.

Quotes attributable to Premier of Victoria, Daniel Andrews

“There are bridges on some of our major freight corridors that semi-trailers and B-doubles can’t even cross.”

“We’re improving productivity for our freight industry and reducing costly detours. It’s good for regional Victoria and it’s good for business.”

Quotes attributable to Minister for Roads & Road Safety, Luke Donnellan

“The Stronger Country Bridges Program will help regional Victorians get their goods to market faster. A number of bridge upgrades will wipe up to 70km off the length of the route.”

“Collisions between trucks and trains at regional level crossings remain one of the biggest safety risks for rail operations in Australia. Our investment will save lives.”

Reviewed 19 August 2020

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