Driving through Victoria’s Alpine region is about to become safer, thanks to a multi-million dollar program of road improvement works starting this month.
Federal Minister for Infrastructure and Transport and Member for Gippsland Darren Chester said work crews would start on upgrades along the Great Alpine Road this week, with safety works to focus on deteriorating sections to ensure the longevity of the road.
“These works are critical to communities in the Tambo Valley such as Omeo, Benambra, Ensay and Swift’s Creek, as well as tourists and freight operators travelling throughout the Victorian Alps,” Mr Chester said.
“The Great Alpine Road is a crucial route for our timber, agriculture and tourism industries, which means these upgrades are going to help support the region’s economy as well as local jobs.”
Victorian Minister for Roads and Road Safety Luke Donnellan said the government was committed to making travel on all Victorian roads safer.
“We want everyone to arrive safely at their destination, no matter what mode of transport they are using,” Mr Donnellan said.
“Works on the Great Alpine Road will begin initially at Tambo Crossing. This will mainly involve surface upgrades and shoulder widening in in direct response to the types of work communities have told us would make their travel safer.”
The Australian and Victorian governments have also jointly committed to funding an additional $8 million worth of road upgrades on the Great Alpine Road between Wangaratta and Cobungra.
The full program of works on the Great Alpine Road is scheduled to be completed in April 2021.
The Australian and Victorian governments have jointly funded $10 million worth of works on the Great Alpine Road between Cobungra and Bruthen.
