The Albanese and Carroll Labor Governments have strengthened three bridges on the Princes Highway West – so they can meet the demands of modern traffic volumes and support key industries.
Works on the Dennington, Allansford and Weerite bridges have been completed to keep freight and tourism moving along this key route.
All three bridges were more than 40 years old and needed to be upgraded to future proof them for years to come.
The Princes Highway serves as the principal east-west route in Victoria, linking the major regional centres of Geelong, Colac and Camperdown, as well as providing access from Melbourne to the coastal communities of Warrnambool and Portland and across the border to South Australia.
The route is strategically important for freight movements, and provides regional industries such as forestry, timber and dairy products with access to domestic markets and major ports.
These works were delivered as part of the Australian Government’s $322.9 million investment in upgrading the Princes Highway corridor in Victoria, to improve road safety, better connect people with jobs and services, and deliver goods to market.
These $15.14 million upgrade works were jointly funded by the Australian and Victorian governments, with the Australian Government investing $12.66 million and the Victorian Government $2.48 million.
As stated by Federal Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government Catherine King:
“These bridge upgrades are about making sure Victorian freight operators can get their goods to market quickly, safely and efficiently.
“We’re ensuring farmers, exporters and freight operators have the reliable connections they need to stay competitive here and overseas.”
As stated by Victorian Minister for Roads and Road Safety Paul Hamer:
“Stronger bridges mean a stronger freight network. They allow operators to carry more freight, more efficiently, and avoid costly detours – all while supporting thousands of jobs across the state.
“We’re investing in stronger, more reliable infrastructure to support jobs and improve supply chains so that communities and businesses across the state can rely on them.”
As stated by Victorian Minister for Ports and Freight Melissa Horne:
“These bridges are the backbone of freight movement in the south-west, and by strengthening them we’re making sure our forestry, timber and dairy producers can keep getting their goods to market.”
“A more reliable Princes Highway means a more productive freight network – this is about cutting down time on the road and getting Victorian goods to port faster.”
