Key freight routes across Victoria are being upgraded through a $128 million program of bridge strengthening works, designed to enhance road network capacity and improve transport efficiency for operators and producers.
The works are jointly funded by the Albanese and Allan Governments, with $56.6 million committed by the Commonwealth.
The program will allow high-productivity freight vehicles to carry heavier loads more efficiently, strengthening supply chains across the state.
Acting Federal Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government Julie Collins says the upgrades will deliver lasting benefits for industry.
“These bridge upgrades are about making sure Victorian producers and freight operators can get their goods to market quickly, safely and efficiently,” 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.”
The scope of works stretches across Victoria’s busiest freight corridors and key regional hubs.
In Geelong, four bridges on Corio Quay Road are being upgraded to support efficient freight combinations at GeelongPort, one of the state’s main grain export centres.
In the south-west, upgrades along the Great Ocean Road and on the Lavers Hill-Cobden Road will improve access for the dairy industry, while upcoming projects on the Princes Highway west will support timber and wind farm freight movements.
In Gippsland, strengthening at Longwarry North and Leongatha will improve reliability for local freight operators.
On the Hume Freeway, bridges at Wodonga Creek and Pranjip Creek are nearing completion, boosting efficiency on Australia’s busiest interstate freight route.
Victorian Minister for Ports and Freight, Roads and Road Safety, Melissa Horne, says the program is designed to keep the industry competitive.
“Stronger bridges mean a stronger freight network – allowing operators to carry more, more efficiently, and avoid costly detours,” 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.”