General News
8 February, 2022
Road blitz begins across Wimmera
Sections of road along the Wimmera, Henty and Western Highways have been slated for works under the road maintenance blitz.
SECTIONS of road along the Wimmera, Henty and Western Highways have been slated for works under the road maintenance blitz.
A Victorian government spokesperson said as part of the blitz crews were out repairing key sections of the Wimmera and Henty highways to guarantee safer and more reliable journeys for the drivers on the roads each day.
“Our work in western Victoria isn’t finished yet, with more major road rebuilding projects set to be delivered on the Wimmera and Western highways between now and June this year,” they said.
“While we’re busy delivering these vital works, we ask drivers to take their time, plan ahead and stay patient for their own safety and for the safety of workers out on the road.”
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The largest section of road to be improved across the state under the program is 7.5 kilometres of the Henty Highway just before the Horsham-Minyip Road turn off.
Rehabilitation works to replace the top and bottom layers of the road started in November 2021 and are expected to be complete by May 2022.
Around 2200 vehicles travel on the Henty Highway each day, with more than 13 percent of this traffic consisting of heavy vehicles.
There are four sections of road along the Wimmera Highway that have been or are set to be repaired under the blitz.
Near Jung, roadworks began in January 2022 on 1.3 kilometres of the Wimmera Highway with works set to be completed by March 2022.
At the end of November 2021, works began on 1.2 kilometres of the Wimmera Highway near Dooen.
Major rehabilitation started in January this year with an expected four-month timeline for completion.
By the end of February 2022, 1.7 kilometres of the Wimmera Highway near Rupanyup is set to be under roadworks.
The works are expected to be completed by the end of April 2022.
Works have already been completed at Vectis between Horsham and Natimuk with the resealing of 2.9km of the Wimmera Highway at the end of 2021.
A timeline is currently being planned for the rebuilding of a 612-metre section of the Western Highway near Pink Lake.
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Minister for Roads and Road Safety Ben Carroll said regional Victorians relied on their roads to get to work and school, to transport produce, and to support tourism.
“Our investments make sure this can be done safely and efficiently,” he said.
"Our unprecedented program of road upgrades and maintenance is delivering for the economy in regional Victoria by supporting jobs in our quarries, engaging local suppliers and employing local crews.”
Across the state the blitz began in September 2021, and aims to deliver more than 1000 maintenance projects on regional roads, for safer and smoother journeys across more than 1300 kilometres of the network.
In addition to works on the road, crews have also been mowing thousands of kilometres of roadside grass and repairing and replacing more than 7000 roadside signs.
Drivers are reminded to stay patient and alert when travelling through work sites, keeping workers and other drivers safe.