The Government of Victoria in Australia has concluded 12km of improvement works on the Princes Highway / Latrobe Terrace between Corio and Waurn Ponds in Geelong.

Nearly 20,000 drivers who rely on the route every day between Melbourne, Geelong and the Bellarine will experience a smoother journey as a result of the A$10m ($7.41m) road improvement project.

Resurfacing works were carried out in stages between Broderick Road to Cox Road, Corio and Cowies Creek Bridge to Separation Street, North Geelong.

“Crews worked outside of peak hours for the first major resurfacing of the road since the last decade, aiming to minimise disruption and keep local traffic moving.”

Additionally, resurfacing of the damaged roads was completed between Ballarat Road / Midland Highway and James Harrison Bridge, Geelong, as well as Surf Coast Highway and Ghazeepore Road, Belmont / Waurn Ponds.

Victoria Minister for Roads and Road Safety Luke Donnellan said: “We’re delivering the biggest road maintenance blitz the south-west has ever seen, and that means safer, stronger and smoother roads for local communities.”

Crews worked outside of peak hours for the first major resurfacing of the road since the last decade, aiming to minimise disruption and keep local traffic moving.

The improvement is said to be part of the government’s biggest road upgrade and maintenance programme.

Member for Lara John Eren said: “This resurfacing will not only benefit local residents and freight drivers but will also provide a smoother experience for tourists travelling through Geelong to the Bellarine Peninsula or Great Ocean Road.”

The 1,941km Princes Highway extends from Sydney to Port Augusta via the coast through the states of New South Wales, Victoria and South Australia.