In short:
The Victorian Government will spend an extra $352 million on road repairs, doubling its pothole repair target from 250,000 to 500,000. The Western and Princes highways are among roads targeted as Labor shifts its priorities months out from the November election.
Repair Target Doubles
The Victorian Government has announced an extra $352 million for road repairs as it moves to address criticism over the state of Victoria’s roads just months out from the November election.
Premier Ben Carroll says the funding will double the number of potholes targeted for repair this year, from 250,000 to 500,000.
The money will be made available immediately, although most work is expected to take place during the drier months in the second half of 2026 and into January.
Major routes including the Western Highway, Princes Highway, Geelong Ring Road and Calder Highway will be targeted, alongside regional roads across Victoria.
The announcement comes as the Carroll Government attempts to reset its priorities ahead of the election, following criticism over deteriorating roads and the government’s spending priorities.
Part of the funding will come from delaying three level crossing removals by one year.
It follows other savings announced by the government, including $2 billion from the Suburban Rail Loop and $70 million from spending on consultants.
The government maintains it will still remove all 110 level crossings earmarked under the program, with 92 already removed.
For Melbourne’s west, the Western and Princes highways are specifically included among the roads earmarked for works.
Wyndham TV understands the government is also considering the use of minimum-security prisoners to carry out some roadside maintenance work as part of its broader road repair push.
The government says work will accelerate as rainfall eases, with most of the additional pothole repairs expected to be completed by the end of January.
