Through joint funding from the Australian Governments $3 billion Road Safety Program (RSP) and the Victorian Governments Regional Intersection Package, safety and accessibility are being improved on the Wimmera Highway near Newbridge in a boost for locals and industry on this important agricultural and freight route.
The Wimmera Highway and Bridgewater-Maldon Road intersection will be widened and remodelled into a 'T' intersection, improving driver visibility and allowing vehicles to safely enter and exit the Wimmera Highway.
The works also include building new dedicated right and left turning lanes, a new raised median on the continuation of the Highway towards Bendigo, and installing safety barriers and street lighting.
More than 2,000 vehicles use this section of the highway each day, including more than 240 trucks and other heavy vehicles. This upgrade will ensure the Wimmera Highway can continue to safely support the industries in the region including agriculture, viticulture, mining and tourism.
The Wimmera Hwy/Bridgewater-Maldon Rd is one of four Regional Intersection Package sites being funded from Tranche 3 of the RSP. Under this package the Wimmera Hwy site has a total project cost of $1,466,000, with the Australian Government contributing $1,172,800 and a Victorian Government contribution of $293,200. Works begin mid-January and are expected to be completed in mid-2023, weather permitting. The roads will remain open during construction with reduced speed limits in place.
