IMPACT Route made great strides in 2024
Published on 08 January 2025
Council has completed a range of upgrades to Highton Lane and Chapel Hill Road across 2024, as part of the wider IMPACT Route project to improve access in the Delatite Valley area.
The route will link outlying towns and farm businesses with an upgraded, all weather access road and touring route between Mansfield, Mansfield-Woods Point Road and Mt Buller Road.
Highton Lane
Upgrades on Highton Lane will ultimately result in a wider, resealed road with new kerb and channel. Works were completed in December 2024 on the east side of the road, covering 1.2km. Works on the west side are scheduled to start on 6 January 2025 starting at James Street. The Highton Lane upgrades are on track for completion in March 2025.
The upgrades will address issues raised by residents and the wider community over a long period including road surface, drainage, and footpath connectivity.
Traffic management will continue to be in place as works progress, and traffic will be reduced to one lane during works on each section.
Chapel Hill Road
Chapel Hill Road has seen improvements to creek and river crossings, allowing heavier vehicles to access the whole length of the Road. It has also been graded and resheeted with a new layer of gravel.
A new culvert at Chapel Hill Road’s Lanky Creek crossing was completed in September 2024. Previously vehicles had to cross through the creek bed, which seriously limited access. Completion of this crossing now allows all road users to travel safely over the creek.
Strengthening works and other upgrades at the Delatite River Bridge were completed in December 2024. Although the bridge remains one lane due to the high cost of widening and the low traffic volume expected, the load limit has been increased from 18 tonnes to allow it to carry heavier vehicles. Works also included asphalting the bridge and approaches and increasing the minimum turning circle needed at the approaches.
Rifle Butts Road
Sealing of Rifle Butts Road is also planned as part of the IMPACT Route project. Council has now secured the required permits for the works and expects to start working on initial road stabilisation early in 2025.
Sealing the road will ultimately reduce dust for residents and create a safer route. Drainage upgrades will also be delivered.
Mayor Cr Steve Rabie said the IMPACT Route project demonstrated Council’s commitment to improving infrastructure within the Shire.
“We’ve had several great outcomes with this project over the year,” he said.
“The Chapel Hill Road upgrades are now finished and that road is open and providing a more direct route for stock trucks and other agricultural transport vehicles.
“Rifle Butts Road is ready to go ahead, and we look forward to delivering easier and safer access both for residents along the road and for travellers to Howqua, Jamieson, Goughs Bay and Lake Eildon,” said Cr Rabie.
“We’d like to thank everyone in our community who has contributed feedback on our designs and plans throughout this project. Thanks to your participation we have been able to deliver better upgrades that meet your needs.
“We’re also grateful for your support and patience as we complete these important upgrades,”
“The IMPACT Route project will provide an all-weather route with no weight or size restrictions, serving as a critical route for agricultural business as well as making trips easier for our residents and visitors,” Cr Rabie said.
The IMPACT Route (Integrated Mansfield’s Productivity, Agricultural Communities and Tourism) project is funded with $9.8 million from the Australian Government’s Remote Roads Upgrade Pilot Program, $2.5 million contributed from Council’s budget and $1.3 million of development contributions.
The project is expected to be completed in 2025.
For enquiries on the project email capitalworks@mansfield.vic.gov.au or phone (03) 5775 8555.
ENDS