A series of potholes on the Western Highway between Deep Lead and Dadswell Bridge has raised concerns for drivers with the rough surface coming under scrutiny.
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Department of Transport acting regional director (Grampians) Angela Daraxoglou said the highway is assessed frequently to ensure it is safe.
"Keeping people safe on our roads is at the forefront of everything we do, and our specialist safety crews are out every day undertaking road safety, maintenance and hazard inspection across our entire road network," she said.
"We inspect the Western Highway regularly to ensure that it is safe for the thousands of drivers who use it every day."
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Regional Roads Victoria (RRV) also said it has rebuilt, repaired and resurfaced more than 485 kilometres of roads across western Victoria this, exceeding its maintenance season pre-season target of 370 kilometres by more than 30 per cent.
Regional Roads Victoria said notable road maintenance projects which have been included in the 485 kilometres include:
- Natimuk Road, Horsham
- Wimmera Hwy, Hillary to Bennett
- Western Highway, Horsham (Derry Parade to the Wimmera River Bridge)
- Two sections of the Henty Hwy, North of Rosebery
- Two sections of the Henty Hwy, South of Haven
- Donald-Stawell Rd, South of Callawadda
Routine maintenance is also completed throughout proactive inspections of the network by RRV. These inspections identify hazards and defects, such as potholes and minor surface issues and either fix or manage them.
In early 2020 work was completed by RRV with additional signage was installed ahead of the 80km/h zone at Dadswells Bridge to ensure that drivers are aware that they're entering a populated area and need to slow down to the posted speed limit.
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Member for Western Victoria Jaala Pulford said the state government are preparing for next season's maintenance blitz, as road maintenance experts finalise a list of projects that will kick off when warmer weather makes conditions more suitable for roadbuilding.
"Roads across Western Victoria are now safer and more reliable thanks to our road maintenance blitz - ensuring all motorists make it home at the end of the day," she said.
"These works have supported a number of local jobs right across the region, particularly benefitting the economy as we continue to live through the pandemic."
The Victorian Government said statewide crews have worked to rebuild, repair, and resurface more than 2,430 kilometres of Victoria's road network - exceeding pre-blitz estimates and delivering more reliable journeys for local drivers, tourists, and freight operators.
On top of this, maintenance crews filled more than 230,000 potholes, repaired, or replaced 41,000 signs and mowed more than 50,000 kilometres of roadside grass, as well as spending more than 5,000 hours responding to emergency callouts across the state.
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