Member for Benalla Bill Sykes and Member for Seymour Cindy McLeish today announced that construction of the new Rubicon River bridge on the Taggerty-Thornton Road has been completed.
Dr Sykes said, “The original bridge, built in 1946 and located approximately 3km south of Thornton, was damaged beyond repair in the September 2010 floods which required it to be replaced.
“The new 25 metre single span bridge is 11 metres wide, three metres wider than the original bridge. It includes two lanes and has been built to current safety standards, allowing a safer crossing for drivers, cyclists and pedestrians,” he said.
“The old bridge had two spans and the pier was severely damaged in the floods. The new bridge is a single span bridge, which means that this problem will not re-occur in the case of a future flood event.”
Cindy McLeish said, “The improved motoring experience provided by the new bridge construction will be welcomed by locals and tourists alike.
“Built to current standards it is expected that this structure will have a service life of 100 years,” she added.
The road on either side of the new bridge required a minor realignment of approximately 400 metres to straighten the slight curve that had led to the old bridge. This has increased sight distance for motorists using the bridge.
To initially address the bridge damage, VicRoads installed a temporary single lane Bailey bridge over the old bridge deck. This temporary structure has been in place throughout the reconstruction works to enable local and tourist traffic to use the road.
“The Taggerty-Thornton Road is a popular tourist route from Melbourne to Lake Eildon and also a vital school bus route,” Ms McLeish said.
Dr Sykes said, “The bridge was completed well ahead of schedule and we would like to thank VicRoads and the contractors for their efforts in finishing this project early.
“The Victorian Coalition Government is committed to maintaining and improving the arterial road network to ensure a safe driving environment for motorists,” Dr Sykes concluded.

Member for Benalla, Bill Sykes welcomes the removal of understory and dead timber from 10 cross over points on the Hume Freeway near Longwood.
“This work is being done in response to local CFA brigade requests to improve safety of the cross overs for when they are attending fires and motor vehicle accidents.”
Dr Sykes said VicRoads have undertaken these works in consultation with the Department of Sustainability and Environment, Strathbogie Shire and are ensuring the protection of endangered flora whilst removing the understory which presents an unacceptable risk to emergency service and other vehicles.
Longwood CFA captain, Graeme Seach said, “I am extremely pleased that VicRoads have undertaken this work as the local CFA are often called to attend accidents on the freeway and bushfires.
“The removal of the understorey will allow CFA and other emergency service vehicles to safely cross the north and south bound lanes of the freeway during emergencies.”
Dr Sykes said that it is anticipated that the vegetation clearance will also make it safer for other heavy vehicles to use the cross overs in the event of Hume Freeway closures due to accidents or fires.
Regional Manager VicRoads, Graham Freestone said, “The work involves the removing the middle shrub layer, fallen timber, stumps and lower branches on mature eucalypts, while still retaining the ground cover and trees.
“The ten crossings will undergo fuel reduction for 60 metres either side of the crossing. Significant ground cover exists on all uncleared areas which requires the removal of vegetation by hand to minimise disturbance to the area.
“Environmental field assessments have been carried out and DSE has granted approval to remove some native vegetation for the purpose of bushfire risk mitigation.
“The works are supervised by a VicRoads environmental officer to ensure areas with protected flora and fauna are identified and preserved. Areas where protected species are located will be permanently defined to protect against any inadvertent slashing in future.”
Mr Freestone said that a number of flora and fauna have been identified for protection, including the Euroa Guinea Flower, Black-anther Flax-Lily, Acacia penninervis and Mitchell's Wattle.”

Member for Benalla Bill Sykes and Member for Seymour Cindy McLeish today announced $2.035 million to improve safety on popular motorcycle routes along Euroa-Mansfield Road between Euroa and Merton, Whanregarwen Road from Molesworth to Alexandra and Jerusalem Creek Road, Eildon by upgrading motorcycle ‘blacklengths’ in North Eastern Victoria.

The works comprise sealing shoulders on curves, sealing side road entrances, installation of rubrail (protects motorcyclists from directly impacting on existing guard rail) as well as new safety signs and flexible guide posts. In some cases trees close to the road will be removed.

“The Victorian Coalition Government is taking action now to make Victoria’s roads safer and reduce the risks of crashes for motorcyclists and other road users,” Dr Sykes said.

“Motorcyclists are 38 times more likely to be seriously injured in a crash than car drivers and passengers. Tragically, in 2012 there has already been six motorcyclists and one pillion passenger killed on Victoria’s roads,” he said.

“In the five years 2006 to 2011, there were 22 casualty crashes involving motorcyclists on these roads in North Eastern Victoria. Although motorcycles represent less than four per cent of motor vehicles registered in Victoria, they were involved in between 60 and 80 per cent of the casualty crashes on these roads.

“On Euroa-Mansfield Road there were 14 crashes in the last five years involving motorcycles.”

An investment of $795,000 for this road between Euroa and Merton will see:
• rubrail installed on existing guardrail
• installation of chevron alignment markers (CAMs)
• installation of motorcycle risk advisory signs
• sealing of bellmouths at gravel road intersections
• removal of trees and flattening of roadside to improve sight lines

Cindy McLeish said, “There were four crashes between 2006 and 2011 on Whanregarwen Road from Molesworth to Alexandra involving motorcycles.

“The Whanregarwen Road is certainly one of the most scenic country roads in the area but it does have some serious corners so I certainly welcome the work to improve the road safety. It is important that funding is dedicated to such roads.”

Safety improvements to the value of $317,000 will see:

• installation of motorcycle risk advisory signs
• sealing of bellmouths and intersection to prevent gravel being tracked onto the roadway
• installation of chevron alignment markers (CAMs), curve warning signs and speed advisory signs
• widening of the road and shoulder sealing
• installation of guide posts and edge lines
• road surface improvement

“On Jerusalem Creek Road, Eildon there were four crashes in the last five years involving motorcycles. An investment of $923,000 will see:
• installation of motorcycle risk advisory signs
• sealing of bellmouths and intersection to prevent gravel being tracked onto the roadway
• installation of chevron alignment markers (CAMs), curve warning signs and speed advisory signs
• widening of the road and shoulder sealing
• installation of guide posts and edge line marking

Dr Sykes said, “The local community have identified the need for road improvements on Jerusalem Creek Road. This funding along three kilometres from the Pininger Road intersection to improve road safety for motorcyclists is a welcome first step.”

The $2.035 million investment in motorcycle safety improvements has been made possible by the Motorcycle Safety Levy which is included as part of the TAC premium on new motorcycle registrations and registration renewals.

“The Motorcycle Safety Levy funds a range of initiatives that address the key issues causing motorcycle trauma. A total of 167 infrastructure projects to the value of $28.055 million have been approved for motorcycle safety initiatives across Victoria,” said Dr Sykes.

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Member for Seymour, Cindy McLeish and Member for Benalla, Bill Sykes said today that as part of the Coalition Governments’ commitment to ongoing road safety and improvement, contact maintenance works to traffic signals, help telephones, lighting and other electrical road assets within the North Eastern Region have commenced.

The contract, worth nearly $1.8 million, for general upkeep and integral maintenance works of the arterial road network will operate over the next three years.

“It is of vital importance that electrical components are working efficiently to ensure the road network functions safely and maintenance works help ensure this,” Ms McLeish said.

“Provision by the contractor of routine and non-routine maintenance of various traffic signals, electrical signs and communications devices, which include speed advisory and illuminated signs, help telephones and ice warning stations are included,” Ms McLeish said.

“When a fault occurs with the electrical equipment emergency works undertaken are also part of this contact,” she added.

Member for Benalla, Bill Sykes said, “The Nationals have a long standing commitment to making country roads safer.

“The initiative is a joint venture between Federal and State Governments and dovetails in well with ongoing campaigns by the Victorian Coalition, in government and opposition, to ‘fix country roads and save country lives’.”

The State and Federal Government provide joint funding to ensure that all assets are operating correctly.

Member for Benalla, Bill Sykes announced today that VicRoads have started maintenance and repair work on the Benalla Monash Bridge, on the Midland Highway.

The bridge traverses Lake Benalla, which is being drained by Benalla Rural City Council in an attempt to help control the noxious Cabomba weed.

“VicRoads will take advantage of the lake being drained by repairing sections of the road bridge that are otherwise difficult to reach - such as under the bridge decks and abutments,” Dr Sykes said.

Crews will repair eroded and cracked concrete sections. General maintenance, such as joint repairs, will be undertaken at the same time.

“This type of maintenance work can only be performed if the lake is empty and crews are able to evaluate the impact of water flow on the bridge structures,” he said.

Sediment and rocks will be removed from around the bridge abutments to maintain the integrity of the structure.

Heavy rock beaching will be installed in the river bed to minimise scouring of the bridge, caused by fast-flowing water.

“VicRoads’ quality control together with regular maintenance and inspection will ensure the bridge is kept strong and functional,” Dr Sykes concluded.

The works are scheduled to be completed by 9 March, weather permitting.

There will be no impact on the traffic flow during the repair works.

Member for Benalla, Bill Sykes today announced the new Dwell on Red pedestrian safety program has been implemented at several intersections throughout North East Victoria including two locations on Bridge Street in Benalla.

Dr Sykes said that Dwell on Red works by changing traffic signal phasing between the hours of 9pm and 5am to display a red light simultaneously on all four approaches to an intersection.

“During this time, the traffic lights on all approaches stay red until a vehicle approaches the intersection. This all-red phase is then replaced by the normal traffic light phase.

“Once the vehicle has travelled through the intersection, the lights revert back to the all-red phase until another car approaches.

“This strategy is used late at night to improve safety for pedestrians,” he said.

“The objective of the program is to reduce the likelihood of drivers striking pedestrians between the hours of 9pm and 5am.”

“The project aims to minimise the likelihood of patrons who are leaving nearby licensed premises from walking onto the roads and being struck by oncoming vehicles,” he said.

In 2006, VicRoads conducted trials of the Dwell on Red treatment as a means of reducing fatal and serious injury pedestrian crashes at intersections. The trials were carried out in Ballarat and Melbourne, with the Ballarat trial showing a 28% reduction in vehicle speeds. This translates to approximately a 45% reduction casualty crashes.

The local intersections that will now utilise the Dwell on Red treatment are:

• Bridge Street and Nunn Street, Benalla
• Bridge Street and Arundel Street, Benalla

Motorists are reminded to be mindful of pedestrians crossing roads, particularly in built up and urban areas.

Member for Benalla, Bill Sykes attended the opening of the first (northern) section of the Nagambie Bypass on Wednesday 30 November 2011.
Dr Sykes said, “The opening of this section is great and I look forward to the whole Bypass being opened by the middle of next year.
“It will be a significant boost for Nagambie.
“Whilst some businesses, such as fast food outlets may suffer, the overall improvement in the ambience and safety of Nagambie will make it even more popular with locals and visitors.
“I am sure that the many local people who lobbied long and hard for the Bypass are very pleased with the fruits of this labour.”

Minister for Roads, Terry Mulder today announced the Shire of Strathbogie had received a $1 million grant from the Victorian Coalition Government’s Country Roads and Bridges fund.

Member for Benalla, Bill Sykes in welcoming confirmation of the funding said, “This is a well-considered grant as it allows local government to spend the money on their priority works.

“I am sure that the road repair work will make many Strathbogie Shire rate payers very happy.”

The Minister said, “The Coalition Government is proud to be providing this boost in funding to Shire of Strathbogie to aid their maintenance programs, helping to keep their roads safe for all the drivers of Victoria.

“This program provides up to $1 million each to 40 rural councils each year for the next four years. This is a total of $160 million of additional funds to improve the condition of roads and bridges in rural Victoria.”

The $1 million has been allocated to Shire of Strathbogie to provide extra funds for maintenance and restoration of existing road or bridge infrastructure in the region.

These funds will be used by the Council for rehabilitation works on over 20 local roads including Ballantynes Road, Leckies Road and Balmattum North Road.

Strathbogie Shire Mayor, Mick Williams, said the extra funds would make a real difference to the community.

“The grant will enhance our 2010-2015 Capital Works Program in the areas of roads and infrastructure, particularly road reseals and bridge maintenance,” Cr Williams said.

“It will not only support the long term sustainability of rural shires but also provide safer roads to our municipality.”

Mr Mulder said the 2011-12 Victorian Budget included nearly $601 million for road projects that would deliver significant improvements for motorists, particularly in outer suburban and regional areas.

Minister for Roads, Terry Mulder today announced the Shire of Strathbogie had received a $1 million grant from the Victorian Coalition Government’s Country Roads and Bridges fund.

Member for Benalla, Bill Sykes in welcoming confirmation of the funding said, “This is a well-considered grant as it allows local government to spend the money on their priority works.

“I am sure that the road repair work will make many Strathbogie Shire rate payers very happy.”

The Minister said, “The Coalition Government is proud to be providing this boost in funding to Shire of Strathbogie to aid their maintenance programs, helping to keep their roads safe for all the drivers of Victoria.

“This program provides up to $1 million each to 40 rural councils each year for the next four years. This is a total of $160 million of additional funds to improve the condition of roads and bridges in rural Victoria.”

The $1 million has been allocated to Shire of Strathbogie to provide extra funds for maintenance and restoration of existing road or bridge infrastructure in the region.

These funds will be used by the Council for rehabilitation works on over 20 local roads including Ballantynes Road, Leckies Road and Balmattum North Road.

Strathbogie Shire Mayor, Mick Williams, said the extra funds would make a real difference to the community.

“The grant will enhance our 2010-2015 Capital Works Program in the areas of roads and infrastructure, particularly road reseals and bridge maintenance,” Cr Williams said.

“It will not only support the long term sustainability of rural shires but also provide safer roads to our municipality.”

Mr Mulder said the 2011-12 Victorian Budget included nearly $601 million for road projects that would deliver significant improvements for motorists, particularly in outer suburban and regional areas.

The Member for Murray Valley, Tim McCurdy and Member for Benalla, Bill Sykes today welcomed the confirmation of a $1 million grant to the Rural City of Wangaratta from the Victorian Coalition Government’s Country Roads and Bridges fund.

Mr McCurdy said the grant, confirmed by Minister for Roads Terry Mulder, will enable the rural city to bring forward road and bridge works on its long term capital works program.

Dr Sykes said, “The Baillieu-Ryan Government is delivering on its 2010 election promise to improve roads and bridges in local communities such as Top Plain Road in Moyhu.

“I look forward to residents benefitting from continued improvements to roads and bridges in their areas as a result of this additional funding from the State Government to local shires.”

Minister Mulder said, “The Coalition Government is proud to be providing this boost in funding to the Rural City of Wangaratta Council to help aid in their maintenance programs, helping to keep their roads safe for all road users.”

“This program provides up to $1 million each to 40 rural councils annually for the next four years. This is a total of $160 million of additional funds to improve the condition of roads and bridges in rural Victoria.”

The $1 million has been allocated to the Rural City of Wangaratta to provide extra funds for maintenance and restoration of existing road or bridge infrastructure in the region.

Mayor of the Rural City of Wangaratta, Cr Anthony Griffiths, said that this additional funding will enable Council to bring forward important road works that have been identified in their long term capital works program.

“Rural City of Wangaratta is responsible for over 2000 kilometres of roads and one hundred and eighty eight bridges and major culverts across our municipality. This new funding from the State Government will allow Council to undertake additional maintenance at no extra cost to our ratepayers,” Cr Griffiths said.

“These funds will be used to re-sheet various local roads, to reconstruct failed sealed pavements and to upgrade Top Plain Bridge on Top Plain Road, Moyhu and Cropper Creek Bridge on Wangaratta-Kilfeera Road in Greta.”

Mr Mulder said the 2011-12 Victorian Budget included nearly $601 million for road projects that would deliver significant improvements for motorists, particularly in outer suburban and regional areas.

Mr McCurdy said he was constantly receiving representations from people seeking roads to be upgraded, sealed or widened to improve safety and meet the needs of modern transport.

“We are aware fixing country roads saves country lives,” he said. “RACV statistics indicate 288 people died on our roads last year, 11 per cent lower than the five year average from 2005 to 2009, and fewer fatalities than in 2009.

“Of these fatalities, 125 people died on metropolitan roads and 163 people died on rural roads, a massive discrepancy when you realise just a third of Victorians live in rural areas, by 57 per cent of Victorian fatalities occur there.
“The number of young people, 18 to 25 years, who died on our roads in 2010 was 70, eight more than in 2009, and some 1800 were seriously injured.
“Road accidents are especially traumatic in rural communities, where the loss of well-known and valued community members impacts on so many people, including police and emergency services,” he concluded.