One of Victoria’s key tourism routes has undergone major works thanks to the Andrews Government’s emergency road repair blitz.
As part of the Victorian Government’s $165 million emergency repair program, a four-kilometre section of the Great Alpine Road near Ensay North has now been completely rebuilt.
Overall rainfall statistics show that Ensay has experienced some of its highest rainfall on record over the past two years, with the ongoing rain causing significant damage to the road surface and its base.
To repair and counteract this damage, crews have completed a $4.4 million project to repair the road, excavating the damaged sections of road and rebuilding it from the base up.
Once completed, crews then continued works on the Great Alpine Road, reconstructing a further four-kilometre section in Omeo.
One of the state’s busiest tourism routes, the Great Alpine Road serves as a key connection between Victoria’s alpine region and tens of thousands of visitors each year, as well as an important link for communities in the state’s north-east.
The road is also important route for the local agriculture, timber, snow and tourism industries and these critical works have improved safety for local communities and tourists.
The Victorian Government has also invested $4.3 million to help reduce the likelihood of landslips along the Great Alpine Road in Gippsland.
Works to increase safety and reduce the likelihood of the road closing delivered rockfall netting, rock bolts and anchoring were completed earlier this year.
More than $55 million worth of major flood repairs are being delivered across Gippsland and Victoria’s north-east as part of the $165 million blitz, keeping flood-affected communities moving as they rebuild.
The works prioritised and targeted some of the state’s most severely flood-damaged roads, as well as key freight and travel routes, including Hume Freeway, Goulburn Valley Freeway, Princes Highway East and the Bass Highway.
Overall, the Victorian Government has invested $8.7 million in works to improve the Great Alpine Road over the past year.
As stated by Melissa Horne, Minister for Roads and Road Safety
“We are making regional roads safer, stronger and more reliable for everyone. The Great Alpine Road is a key tourist route – as thousands of people take the opportunity to get out and explore our beautiful state.”
“Right across Victoria, our emergency road repair blitz is ensuring that people and supplies stay on the move in the communities hit hardest by flood.”
