The Albanese and Allan Labor Governments are strengthening bridges across Victoria, boosting road network capacity and improving efficiency for freight operators and farmers.
The jointly funded program of works will 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 works recognise the importance of freight and logistics to Victoria, with over 260,000 Victorians employed in the $36 billion dollar industry.
Bridge strengthening works across the state are being delivered thanks to a joint investment by the Albanese and Allan Labor Governments of more than $128 million, with the Albanese Government committing a total of $56.6 million to the projects.
In Geelong, four bridges on Corio Quay Road are being upgraded to cater for our most efficient road-freight combinations, supporting GeelongPort to continue to function as one of Victoria's main grain export shipping hubs.
Along the Great Ocean Road, bridges at Skenes Creek and Wye River will be upgraded, along with two structures on Lavers Hill-Cobden Road - supporting the region's dairy industry.
Later this year, projects on the Princes Highway west will begin at Allansford, Dennington, Weerite, Narrawong, Yambuk and Dartmoor, improving 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 the Nerrena Road Leongatha Tarwin River Bridge almost complete.
Along the Hume Freeway - our busiest interstate road freight corridor - the Wodonga Creek and Pranjip Creek Longwood upgrades are also nearing completion.
As stated by Acting Federal Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government Julie Collins:
"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."
As stated by Victorian Minister for Ports and Freight, Roads and Road Safety Melissa Horne:
"Stronger bridges mean a stronger 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."
