Northern Victoria Logging Road in Australia gets major upgrade
Drivers are set to benefit from a safer and smoother journey along the Shelley-Walwa Road in Victoria’s north as works start on a major upgrade of the road.
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Infrastructure and Transport Barnaby Joyce said the $7.63 million project would upgrade a seven-kilometre stretch of road between Guys Forest Road and the Murray Valley Highway.
“This is a very important route for the logging industry, and in recent years it has had to be closed because of unsafe conditions during winter. We are going to use this money to widen and realign some sections of road to straighten out some corners as well as improve drainage and the road seal,” Mr Joyce said.
“Our $3.76 million share of funding is coming from the Heavy Vehicle Safety and Productivity Program which is building better roads for trucks right around the nation.”
Victorian Minister for Roads and Road Safety Luke Donnellan said VicRoads was inviting locals to have their say on these important upgrade works. “We know that disruptions caused by roadworks can be frustrating so we’ll be making sure locals are kept up to date on the work that is going on,” Mr Donnellan said.
“Safety is our top priority so the road will be closed during construction. We know that will cause some inconvenience but it is necessary to keep people safe while this work is going on.”
Towong Shire Council Mayor Aaron Scales said the works would take up to 12 months to complete. “During construction the road will be closed to through traffic with access only being maintained for local residents and the HVP Plantation, however a number of alternative routes and detours will be in place. Construction on the project is due to be completed in early 2019, weather permitting,” Cr Scales said.
The $7.63 million package of works is funded by the Australian Government ($3.767 million), Victorian Government ($3.767 million), Towong Shire Council ($100,000) and HVP Plantations, which is supplying crushed rock.
