Upgrade works have begun on the Great Alpine Road between Wangaratta and Cobungra in Victoria to improve the route’s safety and reliability.
Deputy Prime Minister Michael McCormack said the works would help support the economies of towns along what is a major tourism route.
“The Great Alpine Road plays a vital role in the economic prosperity of the North East,” Mr McCormack said.
“It is a key freight route, a popular link through Victoria’s high country for tourists and people going on skiing holidays and is vital to ensuring communities throughout the region stay connected.”
Victorian Minister for Roads and Road Safety Luke Donnellan said road safety was a top priority for the Victorian Government.
“This is about making sure anyone who uses the Great Alpine Road experiences a safer and more reliable journey,” Mr Donnellan said.
“Work has begun on 34 kilometres of shoulder sealing works along the Great Alpine Road between Wangaratta and Harrietville and planning for additional safety improvements are also underway,” he said.
State Member for Northern Victoria Jaclyn Symes said the works will deliver benefits for local jobs and local economies.
“Not only will this upgrade make our roads safer, it will support Victorian jobs – with a local construction company delivering five kilometres of shoulder construction, sealing and culvert works – from the southern end of Freeburgh to McMahons Lane in Smoko,” Ms Symes said.
The works are expected to be completed by 2020, with the overall project expected to be completed in 2021.
The Federal and Victorian Governments have jointly funded the $8 million Great Alpine Road improvements between Wangaratta and Cobungra through the $345 million Rural and Regional Roads Package.
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