Victoria’s latest round of Safer Local Roads and Infrastructure Program funding is targeting local bottlenecks that constrain freight efficiency, particularly on regional routes linking industry, agriculture and manufacturing hubs.
Key projects funded under the Safer Local Roads and Infrastructure Program include replacing the Broadway Bridge superstructure in Elwood, removing an ageing asset that limited heavy vehicle access, and restoring bridges in the Bass Coast and Mount Alexander Shires, safeguarding critical links used by freight movements and local commerce.
For the freight sector, local constraints such as narrow pavements, weak shoulders and load-restricted bridges can undermine the productivity gains achieved on major highways. Addressing these issues improves route certainty and reduces the need for costly detours or operational workarounds.
The Victorian projects also reflect growing attention to resilience, with upgrades aimed at keeping roads open during extreme weather events and reducing recovery times after incidents.
Delivered largely by councils, the projects acknowledge the importance of local roads in maintaining statewide freight efficiency and supporting Victoria’s $36 billion freight and logistics sector.
Minister for Regional Development, Local Government and Territories Kristy McBain said the funding would help make roads safer.
“Whether it’s local roads or major freight and passenger routes like the Princes Highway, the Albanese Government is investing in the roads regional Victorians need and deserve,” she says. “We understand that regional councils often need extra financial support to help with meeting increasing costs and continual pressure on transport infrastructure due to climate change and extreme weather.”