Roadworks along the stretch of the Western Highway began back in January and have reduced the speed to 40km/h as all traffic has been directed onto a single bridge, causing serious headaches for the 33,000 vehicles which use the stretch of road each day.   

Among the strengthening works to the bridge is the addition of two layers of carbon fibre laminate and one layer of carbon fibre sheeting to each beam in order to accommodate larger freight vehicles. 

In the coming weeks the road will be resurfaced and new wire rope safety barriers will be installed.  

VicRoads Western Victoria regional director Ewen Nevett said the upgrades would benefit all road users, not just heavy freight operations. 

"We're strengthening the bridges over the Lederderg River, to ensure the Western Highway has the infrastructure it needs to support future freight, and agriculture needs – to provide a vital link to the west of the state,” Mr Nevett said.  

"Upgrading these bridges will improve safety for all road users, particularly the growing community of Bacchus Marsh.”   

The upgrades are coming from the $35.8 million Stronger Country Bridges Program, which specifically targets major regional freight routes.