Road maintenance blitz beats its targets

THE Labor Government says it has exceeded the targets of its road maintenance blitz over the warmer months.

Last week, Labor announced it had improved more than 256 kilometres of roads across south-west Victoria, thus exceeding its pre-season target of 254 kilometres, with more still under way.

Crews have been working to upgrade more than $85 million in road maintenance to the region during the blitz, which began in January.

These improvements include works on Shannon Avenue, Geelong; Commercial Road, Koroit; the Hamilton Highway; and Warrnambool-Caramut Road.

The annual regional road maintenance season has seen 1,800 kilometres of the state’s regional roads resurfaced or rebuilt, exceeding the pre-blitz target of 1,600 kilometres.

Teams have also repaired more than 185,000 potholes and replaced or fixed 20,000 roadside signs.

Labor says it will spend a record investment almost $900 million on improving Victoria’s roads in this financial year, as well as a further $124 million as part of the Building Works package.

“We are making our regional roads safer, stronger and more reliable for everyone – not just improving journeys, but delivering local jobs when Victorians need them most,” Minister for Roads and Road Safety Ben Carroll said.

“Our teams have delivered more than 1,800 kilometres of better roads across our state – including key tourist routes that are getting busier as more people take the opportunity to get out and explore our beautiful state.”

Before winter affects construction conditions, the pace remains steady as crews continue with extra maintenance.

With road workers out in force and temporary changes to traffic conditions, drivers are reminded to be patient, obey the posted speed limits, and drive with caution.