Transport alert

As the flood emergency continues, Victorians have been urged to avoid unnecessary travel, with hundreds of roads damaged or closed due to flooding.

Areas of current concern are Echuca, Kerang, Shepparton, Mooroopna, Orrvale and Murchison – however, all areas of the state have been impacted by the weather.

There are currently 397 roads closed across the state. All current road closures are listed at traffic.vicroads.vic.gov.au.

The community is urged to familiarise themselves with road closures in their area before travelling, to determine if it is possible to reach their destination.

The road network has suffered significant damage with large potholes and sections of road destroyed. Crews right across Victoria have mobilised and have assessed more than 1,499 roads and have repaired almost 43,000 potholes – however significant damage remains.

The Department of Transport is continuing to prioritise repairs where damage is a safety issue. Structural engineers have inspected more than 251 bridges and structures across the network, while Department of Transport representatives are continuing twice daily inspections of the network and delivering emergency repairs where they’re needed most.

Motorists are urged to drive with extreme caution, with an expectation the road surface will be damaged. Leaving extra distance between vehicles will help drivers get a better view of the road ahead.

Drivers are reminded of the dangers of driving through road closures and into floodwater. Not all road closures are manned. It is critical the community obey the signage in place. Barriers blocking access to roads should not be moved as road closures are in place for safety reasons.

While there are currently limited impacts to train services on the Ballarat/Ararat/Maryborough, Geelong/Warrnambool, Seymour, Albury, Bendigo and Gippsland lines, passengers are reminded to check the PTV or V/Line websites before travelling.