Road repair for key regional route

REPAIRS to a flood-damaged highway linking Geelong and Ballarat wrapped up this month.

Regional Roads Victoria (RRV) completed repairs to parts of the Midland Highway that heavy rainfall events wrecked late last year.

Crews ripped up a 1.3-kilometre stretch between Gheringhap and Bannockburn that was worst impacted by the recent floods.

The highway is a key freight route that links the Port of Geelong with Bendigo, Shepparton and Benalla, and supports livestock and horticulture industries as well as connecting Victoria’s two largest regional cities.

The fix was part of a $165-million tranche of works the state government committed to in the wake of last year’s floods.

Roads and Roads Safety Minister Melissa Horne said the repairs would benefit thousands of drivers daily.

“We know that the Midland Highway plays a vital role in Victoria’s economy, as well as connecting drivers to education, employment, family and friends – that’s why we’re making sure the 8,000 drivers who use it each day have access to smoother, more reliable journeys.”

Geelong MP Christine Couzens said the government was “committed to delivering long-term repairs so drivers can keep moving safely around our state”.