Victorian roads minister Tim Pallas has announced the Arcadia section of the Goulburn Valley Highway is complete and open to traffic.
The Arcadia section, a $40.5 million project fully funded by the Federal Government, offers an additional 11 km dual carriageway and rest area.
Federal infrastructure minister Anthony Albanese said the newly-opened section of the highway would enhance traffic flow and cut travel time along the transport link between the Goulburn Valley, Melbourne and Brisbane.
Mr Albanese said: “The Highway carries 6,500 vehicles per day, including more than 2,000 commercial vehicles. It forms part of the National Highway route between Melbourne and Brisbane and is recognised as the main freight route serving Melbourne, Shepparton and Brisbane.
“Upgrading the safety and efficiency of the Goulburn Valley Highway will reduce the cost of interstate freight movements between Victoria, New South Wales and Queensland.”
Mr Pallas said the establishment of the high-standard road network would play a pivotal role in realising the value of the region’s fruit exports, benefiting both commercial traffic and the local community.
The project was delivered by VicRoads and contractor Cut and Fill. The total government funding for the Goulburn Valley Highway project is $216 million.