VicRoads has issued a warning to Victoria’s travellers not to take unnecessary trips as hundreds of roads around the State are damaged or closed due to the recent flooding.
Issuing the advice, the Agency said the flooding and damage was impacting roads in the metropolitan of Melbourne as well as regions in many areas around Victoria.
“Areas of current concern are Echuca, Barmah, Rochester, Bunbartha, Shepparton, Mooroopna, Orrvale, Kialla West, Murchison, Kerang, Boort and Wedderburn – however all areas of the State have been impacted by the weather,” VicRoads said.
“There are currently 423 roads closed across the State,” it said.
“The community is urged to familiarise themselves with road closures in their area before travelling to determine if it is possible to reach their destination.”
VicRoads said the road network has suffered significant damage with large potholes and sections of road destroyed.
It said crews across the State had assessed more than 1,000 roads and already repaired 30,000 potholes, “however significant damage remains”.
“We are continuing to prioritise repairs where damage is a safety issue,” the Agency said.
“Our structural engineers have inspected more than 100 bridges and structures across the network, while more than 400 Department of Transport representatives are continuing twice daily inspections of the network and delivering emergency repairs where they’re needed most.”
VicRoads also urged motorists to drive with extreme caution and an expectation that the road surface would be damaged.
It said leaving extra distance between vehicles would help drivers get a better view of the road ahead.
The Agency said not all road closures were manned and it was critical that the community obey the signage in place.
Information on current road closures can be accessed at this PS News link.
