More than $9.2 million of asphalting works are nearing completion on sections of the Western Freeway between Hopetoun Park to Leigh Creek and Gordon to Myrniong.
The Western Freeway is a key Victorian freight route for agricultural industries to get their goods to market, serving as an important connection for commuters to jobs and services in Melbourne, Ballarat, Bacchus Marsh and Melton.
Crews will be on-site at multiple locations along the freeway, with reduced speeds and traffic management in place for the safety of roadworkers and the whole community.
The works are scheduled for completion by the end of May 2024, weather permitting.
As part of the Victorian Government’s state-wide maintenance program, crews are continuing to mow, slash and spray grass and weeds across more than 45,000 kilometres of the state’s roadsides, repair or replace thousands of signs, deliver emergency road repairs and respond to emergency call-outs from the community.
The Government introduced performance-based road maintenance contracts last year, which aims to provide Victorians with better value for money, less disruptions during works, and higher-quality road maintenance where it is needed most.
Victorian Minister for Roads and Road Safety Melissa Horne outlined the economic importance of completing the upgrades.
“We’re supporting one of Victoria’s fastest growing regions by upgrading the Western Freeway – the West’s busiest freight and travel route.”
“This upgrade means getting produce to market faster, a smoother ride for workers and a safer journey for families.”