The Victorian government has announced a new project will strengthen bridges across the state in order to improve efficiency for freight operators and farmers.
The works will allow heavier loads to move more efficiently, delivering immediate benefits for the industry while also preparing the network for the future as part of the state’s High-Productivity Freight Vehicle Network.
In Geelong, four bridges on Corio Quay Road are being upgraded to cater for Victoria’s 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.
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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 – the state’s busiest interstate road freight corridor – the Wodonga Creek and Pranjip Creek Longwood upgrades are also nearing completion.
“Stronger bridges mean a stronger freight network – allowing operators to carry more, more efficiently, and avoid costly detours,” Victorian ports and freight minister Melissa Horne says.
“By fixing these pinch-points, we’re giving farmers, exporters and freight operators the reliable connections they need to stay competitive here and overseas.”
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.
“These bridge upgrades are about making sure Victorian producers and freight operators can get their goods to market quickly, safely and efficiently,” acting federal transport minister Julie Collins says.
“We’re creating stronger, more reliable infrastructure to support local jobs and strengthen supply chains that communities and businesses across the state rely on.”
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