Almost half a million dollars has been wasted on traffic lights rather than road fixes, according to the Member for Benambra, Bill Tilley.

In March, Mr Tilley asked the Roads Minister for the cost of maintenance and operations of temporary traffic lights on the Beechworth-Wodonga Road, Murray Valley Highway at Tallangatta east, Granya Road and the Omeo Highway at Tallandoon.

All six locations were or still are reduced to a single lane controlled by traffic lights for close to and in some instances more than 12 months.

A bridge on the Beechworth-Wodonga Road was recently reopened, while works are underway at two sites on the Murray Valley Highway near Old Tallangatta. The bridge project had been delayed by heritage assessments.

Mr Tilley said a more immediate response could have seen the money used on the roadworks to improve safety as well as reduce travel times and frustration.

“Most people will be wondering why it has taken so long to get any of these roads fixed and the cost of these temporary traffic lights just adds insult to injury,” he said.

“This is the real cost of a cash strapped state that can’t pay for what should be urgent repairs.

“$474,000 has been wasted while these roads were reduced to one lane.

“As anyone who was caught in the three-kilometre traffic jam on the Beechworth-Wodonga Road on Easter Saturday can attest, it’s not good enough.”

Mr Tilley fears the upcoming budget will be even worse for our roads.

“Despite a record $2.5 billion from vehicle registration last year, this Labor government continued cutting the road maintenance budget,” he said.

“It’s slashed 45 per cent from that budget since 2020 and last year the Department of Transport fell 25 per cent short of its own road repair target.

“Instead of fixing dangerous roads, this government reduces speed limits and puts up traffic lights.”

This article appeared in the Corryong Courier, 2 May 2024.