Motorists travelling on the Midland Highway between Ballarat and Geelong will benefit from safer and smoother journeys, thanks to the Andrews Labor Government.
Minister for Roads and Road Safety Melissa Horne said work is now underway to rebuild and repair a 400-metre section of the highway south of Elaine.
The Midland Highway links Ballarat and Geelong and caters to around 5,800 vehicles per day, including 820 heavy vehicles. It also serves as a key freight route for agricultural industries, as well as for local commuters to access jobs and services.
The works will boost safety in the area and improve reliability for motorists. Crews are expected to complete the works in two weeks, with traffic management in place around the worksite for the safety of drivers and workers.
Further improvements will also take place on 13 kilometres of road to Leigh Creek.
The project forms part of the Labor Government’s $780 million investment in maintaining the state’s road assets in the 2022/23 Victorian State Budget with almost $19.5 million dedicated to rebuilding, repairing and resurfacing roads right across the state’s west.
It follows the completion of significant repairs to the highway between Bannockburn and Meredith, which received damage as a result of the devasting floods last year.
Right across Victoria, crews have completed more than 937 kilometres of flood recovery activities as part of the $165 million emergency road repair blitz.
These works range from clearing debris and drainage to rebuilding and repair works, with a further 119 kilometres of works currently underway.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Roads and Road Safety Melissa Horne
"We’re continuing to rebuild and repair our roads right across the state. As the major connection for freight and travel between two of our regional centres in Ballarat and Geelong, it’s important that we ensure this section of highway can continue to cater to thousands of drivers each day.”
Quote attributable to Member for Eureka Michaela Settle
“The Midland Highway plays an important role in our region’s economy, connecting farmers, manufacturers and freight operators to trade opportunities both at home and overseas – so these works will prove vital in boosting safety and creating smoother journeys.”
Quote attributable to Member for Geelong Christine Couzens
“These works to rebuild and repair our roads are crucial to create smoother journeys and improve safety for all road users – including our farmers, manufacturers and freight operators as they travel throughout the area.”
Reviewed 16 March 2023