Works are underway to increase safety at the Calder Highway and Patchewollock−Sea Lake Road intersection as part of the $20 million Australian and Victorian Government investment in the Calder Highway – Bendigo to Mildura Upgrade.
Deputy Prime Minister, Nationals’ Leader and Minister for Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Development Michael McCormack said the intersection upgrade is a win for primary producers and freight operators, with a new T intersection and right-hand turning lane significantly improving safety and capacity.
"With this upgrade, we are boosting productivity and safety for regional producers in Mildura who rely on this vital connection to get their agricultural freight to market in Bendigo and Melbourne," Mr McCormack said.
Victorian Minister for Roads and Road Safety Luke Donnellan said a new centre island, safety barrier and road surface will be built as part of the project.
"This intersection no longer met the needs of the community – so we’re getting on and fixing it because everyone deserves to get where they’re going safely."
"These improvements will help our regional producers transport their goods to market faster and more safely, while improving access for heavy freight vehicles," Mr Donnellan said.
Federal Member for Mallee and Assistant Minister to the Deputy Prime Minister Andrew Broad said the upgrade would significantly boost safety across the region.
"We have plenty of local truck drivers and commuters on this stretch every day; this upgrade is going to go a long way in keeping our drivers and our communities safe across the Wimmera Mallee," Mr Broad said.
State Member for Northern Victoria Mark Gepp said the upgrade will benefit locals as well as a growing number of tourists, including those visiting nearby Lake Tyrell.
"With more people using this stretch to visit Bendigo and Melbourne, we’re making sure the Calder is safer and more reliable for years to come," Mr Gepp said.
Traffic management measures will be in place with works expected to be complete by late 2018.
The Australian and Victorian Government are each contributing $10 million to increase safety on the Calder Highway between Bendigo and Mildura.
