Senator The Hon Carol Brown Assistant Minister for Infrastructure and Transport	The Hon Melissa Horne MP Minister for Roads and Road Safety
Senator Jana Stewart Senator for Victoria	Martha Haylett State Member for Ripon

Through joint funding from the Australian Government's $3 billion Road Safety Program (RSP) and the Victorian Government's 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.

For more information about this project, visit the Regional Roads Victoria website.

More information on the Australian Government’s road safety investments and initiatives is available at www.officeofroadsafety.gov.au.

Quotes attributable to Federal Assistant Minister for Infrastructure and Transport Carol Brown:

“These improvements are part of the Australian Government’s ongoing commitment to improving road safety, and working towards our ‘Vision Zero’ target of no deaths on our roads by 2050.”

Quotes attributable to State Minister for Roads and Road Safety Melissa Horne:

“We’re providing safer roads and supporting local industry in central Victoria by completing this important work, which will benefit the high numbers of trucks accessing local farms and agricultural hubs every day, to get produce where it needs to go.”

Quote attributable to Senator for Victoria Jana Stewart:

“These improvements will make one of the main roads in Newbridge safer for all road users and increase connectivity across the region.

These works are yet another example of the Albanese Labor Government supporting residents right across the Mallee.”

Quotes attributable to State Member for Ripon Martha Haylett:

“We’re making it easier for drivers travelling on Bridgewater-Maldon Road to see vehicles travelling on the Wimmera Highway which will improve safety for the locals and businesses using these roads every day.”