Work on one of Victoria’s most crucial trade and travel routes is set to wrap up soon, with crews completing asphalting works along some of the busiest sections of the Western Freeway, making journeys safer.

More than $9.2 million of asphalting works are nearing completion on sections of the freeway between Hopetoun Park to Leigh Creek and Gordon to Myrniong as part of the Allan Labor Government’s $770 million major road maintenance blitz.

It comes on top of major works at multiple locations including Western Highway at Windermere and Trewalla.

The Western Freeway is a key freight route for agricultural industries to get their goods to market, serving as an important connection for commuters to jobs and services in Melbourne, Ballarat, Bacchus Marsh and Melton.

Crews will be on-site at multiple locations along the freeway, with reduced speeds and traffic management in place for the safety of roadworkers and the whole community.

The works are scheduled for completion by the end of May 2024, weather permitting.

The funding for these works is part of the Labor Government’s unprecedented $6.6 billion, 10-year, investment towards road maintenance and renewal works, including flood recovery.

As part of the current state-wide maintenance program, crews are continuing to mow, slash and spray grass and weeds across more than 45,000 kilometres of the state’s roadsides, repair or replace thousands of signs, deliver emergency road repairs and respond to emergency call-outs from the community.

The Government introduced performance-based road maintenance contracts last year, which is providing Victorians with better value for money, less disruptions during works, and higher-quality road maintenance where it is needed most.

Quote attributable to Minister for Roads and Road Safety Melissa Horne

“We're supporting one of Victoria’s fastest growing regions by upgrading the Western Freeway – the West’s busiest freight and travel route.”

“This upgrade means getting produce to market faster, a smoother ride for workers and a safer journey for families.”

Quote attributable to Member for Eureka Michaela Settle

“I’m hearing from locals every day how important these upgrades are, and I’m glad that work is underway. The Western Highway is a vital route for work, school, family, and friends.”

Quote attributable to Member for Ripon Martha Haylett

“We’re delivering critical upgrades to the Western Freeway that will get locals across our region home safer and sooner.”