The Andrews Labor Government’s new, dedicated country roads body, Regional Roads Victoria, has opened its doors and is getting started on the biggest road maintenance blitz Victoria has ever seen.
Across Bendigo, Regional Roads Victoria will oversee more than $54 million of improvement works on roads right across the region’s 3,800-kilometre arterial network.
More than 376 kilometres of road will be repaired, rebuilt or resurfaced, improving the quality of the road network that services the regions’ growing tourism and freight industries.
This season, $1.1 million will be invested to improve two sections of Bendigo-Maryborough Road creating a safer, smoother journey.
Locals visiting the shops and businesses in Kangaroo Flat will see a key section between High Street and Thomas Street strengthened and resurfaced.
While families and friends heading to relax at Laanecoorie Reservoir will notice a smoother 1.5 kilometre section as part of a $900,000 investment in the area.
Other connections set for surface improvements include Barker Street in Castlemaine, Hattam Street in Golden Square, Eaglehawk Road in California Gully and Holdsworth Road in White Hills.
The works add to significant investment in Central Victorian roads with the $30.4 million Napier Street upgrade well underway and $10.5 million for planning studies into the future of McIvor Highway, Bendigo-Redesdale and Marong Roads.
Victorians will now be able to find out what works are underway or planned across the state via the new website – – or through the new, dedicated, Ballarat-based call centre 133 RRV (778).
For the first time, the community can view and keep track of the annual program of maintenance works and projects thanks to a new interactive state-wide map.
Quote attributable to Minister for Roads Luke Donnellan
“Since coming to office we’ve doubled spending on road maintenance and from today regional Victoria will have a dedicated agency solely focused on fixing country roads.”
Quote attributable to Member for Bendigo East Jacinta Allan
“Whether it’s this massive investment in regional roads and the establishment of Regional Roads Victoria, the $1.75 billion Regional Rail Revival or our commitment to build three new train stations in Bendigo – we’re delivering better transport connections for regional Victoria.”
Quote attributable to Member for Bendigo West Maree Edwards
“The massive program of works announced today is just the beginning – we’ll have more to say about road rebuilds, resurfacing and further upgrades as the maintenance season ramps up.”
Reviewed 19 August 2020