Mitchell Shire Council has urged the Federal Government to commit $40 million in road funding after a truck fire last month closed all southbound lanes on the Northern Highway, resulting in hours of severe congestion and gridlock in Wallan.
Though drivers were initially diverted to Merriang Road, unanticipated roadworks and lane restrictions on the detour only worsened the delays.
Unfortunately, an attempt to rectify the secondary congestion via a redirection on Old Sydney Road did not provide much relief, as soon after, a truck became bogged on the unsealed road, blocking travel in both directions.
As a result, many drivers turned onto Darraweit Road to bypass the traffic, travelling as slow as 40km/h on the 100km/h road to avoid potholes, crumbling sides, and slippery sections in the stormy conditions.
Following the chaos, council intensified their advocacy efforts to secure the funding required to seal and upgrade the 5.57km stretch of Old Sydney Road between the Mitchell/Hume boundary and Camerons Lane, Beveridge.
Mitchell Shire Mayor John Dougall said the situation demonstrated why both the state and federal governments needed to prioritise funding for arterial roads like Old Sydney Road.
“The events of [December 6] were a stark reminder of the limitations of our road network,” he said.
“Old Sydney Road is not fit to handle significant traffic diversions, and our community suffers as a result.
“Securing $40 million in federal funding will allow us to deliver a safer, more reliable route for local residents, businesses, and visitors.”
Member for Euroa Annabelle Cleeland echoed Cr Dougall’s thoughts, revealing that RACV’s2024 My Country Road survey had ranked Kilmore-Lancefield Road within the state’s top 15 worst roads, with respondents citing potholes, limited overtaking opportunities, and the poor road condition, guideposts, reflectors, signage, and line markings as key concerns.
“Funding to maintain and rehabilitate our roads cannot decline any further,” she said.
“The ineffective patch-up work they are doing now fails to withstand the slightest resistance and is contributing to the poor state of our roads.
“I hope to see this matter re-addressed in 2025 so that our drivers can safely and comfortably travel on our regional roads.”
While funding for Old Sydney Road is yet to be confirmed, council recently announced they had been successful in securing a $2.7 million tender to upgrade a 400-metre section of Darraweit Road.
The upgrades, which are set to begin in May and finish in September this year, will see the section between Acacia and Roulston Way upgraded to include underground drainage, kerbing, and resurfacing.
Though a small project, Cr Dougall emphasised the importance of the works.
“The Darraweit Road reconstruction is a vital project for Wallan’s road network,” he said.
“It will improve road safety … and ensure our infrastructure keeps pace with the shire’s extraordinary growth.”
Speaking to the funding required for Old Sydney Road, Cr Dougall stated it was a project that required a collaborative effort.
“We are doing everything in our power to secure funding for this project, but we can’t do it alone,” he said.
“It’s time for the federal and state governments to recognise the very significant population increase we are absorbing, and help us deliver the critical infrastructure our community needs.”
