Vehicles are being damaged, trouble spots are left unsigned and drivers are being frightened by deteriorating highways in northern Victoria.
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Drivers are complaining to Country News about the number of potholes, apparently left unsigned and neglected on our highways and even our freeways.
Drivers are describing the conditions as “shocking” and “atrocious”.
Country News has found dozens of examples of deep potholes on the Goulburn Valley Hwy, Goulburn Valley Fwy and Midland Hwy.
Tatura driver Kerry Buckley complained that some main roads are falling apart, and nominates the Midland Hwy at Dhurringile Rd and between Shepparton and Benalla as the worst examples.
The Tatura-Murchison Rd is also failing.
“This road gets a lot of traffic, particularly trucks,” Ms Buckley said.
“This is an ongoing problem. It’s not just this year.”
Ms Buckley said it was a huge safety concern and she wonders how many accidents have already occurred due to potholes and the deteriorating state of the roads.
Shepparton Auto Wreckers proprietor Hussain Mgoter said he would have sold hundreds of replacement rims for drivers over the past eight months.
“I’d be selling 10 times the number I normally do,” he said.
“I haven’t seen it this bad before, and I’ve been doing this for 15 years.
“Some roads are so bad they should be closed.”
He said the excuse that it was the October floods just didn’t stack up because some roads which were never flooded have been poorly maintained.
Department of Transport and Planning regional director for Hume, Steve Bowmaker, said like much of regional Victoria, roads across the state’s north-east were severely impacted by flooding and extreme rainfall in late 2022.
“We’re continuing to deliver long-term, large scale repairs to our most badly-flood damaged roads, along with key freight and travel routes such as the Goulburn Valley, Midland and Melba highways,” Mr Bowmaker said.
He said $2.8 billion dollars would be invested over 10 years, including $770 million into maintaining Victoria’s road assets, helping to rebuild and repair the road network, on top of the $165 million emergency road repair blitz announced following the October/November floods.
“Since November, our focus has shifted from short term fixes and warning signage to permanent repairs on the network, with major traffic and freight routes being prioritised,” Mr Bowmaker said.
“Our major patching program continues and we will continue our maintenance program with a combination of short and long term repairs.
“On the Goulburn Valley Hwy we have completed most of our initial major patching works and we have permanently repaired more than 130 potholes in the past three months alone.
“On the Midland Hwy, more than 40 potholes and other surface deformations have been repaired.”
Mr Bowmaker said road conditions can depend on a range of factors including traffic volumes, road type, the various vehicles using the roads, as well as weather.
During extended periods of above-average rainfall, like Victoria experienced in late 2022, potholes are far more likely to develop due to water penetrating the road surface and damage the road base underneath. In the months after these events, potholes will continue to develop.
If members of the community come across any potential hazards or damage on the road network, they can report it by calling 131 170.
VicRoads did not respond to questions about why so many holes are not sign-posted, whether staff shortages were responsible for the pace of repair and how VicRoads catalogues and prioritises hole repair.
Readers of the Shepparton News have nominated some of the worst roads in 130 comments made on the News Facebook page: Midland Hwy at Ardmona; Dhurringile Rd between Tatura and Murchison; Echuca Rd, Mooroopna; and the Midland Hwy between Shepparton and Benalla.
Rebecca Browne posted a note suggesting: “In order to be allowed to drive on the road we pay a premium to ensure our car is roadworthy. Shouldn't it work both ways and the roads be 'car worthy'? Perhaps if government can't hold up it's end of the deal we shouldn't have to pay registration!”
Lena Lucarelli commented: “It’s horrible. Two sets of tyres and three buckled rims. Nothing from VicRoads. But more importantly it’s dangerous for drivers.”
WHAT THE RACV SAYS
There has been a marked increase in reported potholes in Victorian roads since late in 2022.
Heavy rain is often the biggest contributor to potholes on regional roads, presenting hazards for car drivers, motorcyclists and cyclists.
Large potholes have the potential to cause severe damage to your tyres, wheels, suspension, exhaust and/or vehicle body, and in some cases can even lead to drivers losing control of their vehicle.
When you do encounter a pothole, avoid sudden braking and dangerous swerving into oncoming traffic. Keep a firm control of the steering wheel — which can be jolted with impact.
Some puddles can be hiding large potholes underneath them, so you should avoid driving over puddles where possible, and never drive through floodwaters.
If you do hit a pothole and you’re concerned about potential damage to your vehicle, pull over to a safe space and contact RACV Emergency Roadside Assist on 131 111 for assistance.
Shepparton News assistant editor and Country News journalist