$128m worth of bridge strengthening works roll out across VIC

Bridges across Victoria will be strengthened to boost road network capacity as well as improve efficiency for freight operators and farmers. 

The $128 million program of works is jointly funded by the Albanese and Allan Labor Governments, and it will deliver improvements to bridges across the State. 

The works will ultimately allow heavier loads to move more efficiently, delivering immediate benefits for industry while also preparing the network for the future as part of Victoria’s High-Productivity Freight Vehicle Network. 

“These bridge upgrades are about making sure Victorian producers and freight operators can get their goods to market quickly, safely and efficiently. 

“We’re creating stronger, more reliable infrastructure to support local jobs and strengthen supply chains that communities and businesses across the state rely on,” Acting Federal Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government Julie Collins said. 

In Geelong, four bridges on Corio Quay Road will be upgraded to cater for the most efficient road-freight combinations. This will support Geelong Port to continue to function as one of the State’s main grain export shipping hubs. 

Bridges at Skenes Creek and Wye River along the Great Ocean Road will be upgraded alongside two structures on Lavers Hill-Cobden Road to support the region’s dairy industry. 

Meanwhile, projects on the Princes Highway west will begin later this year at Allansford, Dennington, Weerite, Narrawong, Yambuk and Dartmoor. The upgrades will help improve key routes that support wind farm and plantation timber businesses. 

In Gippsland, the Bunyip River Princes Highway Bridge westbound at Longwarry North has been upgraded, with strengthening works on Nerrena Road Leongatha Tarwin River Bridge almost complete. 

Along Victoria’s busiest interstate road freight corridor – the Hume Freeway – the Wodonga Creek and Pranjip Creek Longwood upgrades are also nearing completion. 

These works recognise the importance of freight and logistics to the State, with more than 260,000 Victorians employed in the $36 billion industry. 

“Stronger bridges mean a stringer freight network – allowing operators to carry more, more efficiently, and avoid costly detours. 

“By fixing these pinch-points, we’re giving farmers, exporters and freight operators the reliable connections they need to stay competitive here and overseas,” VIC Minister for Ports and Freight, Road and Road Safety Melissa Horne said. 

Source: Premier of Victoria – Media Centre; Fully Loaded