Projects

Great Alpine Road Bruthen to Cobungra safety improvements

We’ve improved safety and efficiency on the Great Alpine Road between Bruthen and Cobungra to provide a smoother and more reliable journey for road users.
Project status:

Complete

Update – April 2025

Safety improvement works on the Great Alpine Road between Bruthen and Cobungra are now complete and roadworks speed restrictions have been lifted.

The works included a total of 64 kilometres of shoulder widening and the installation of two kilometres of safety barriers at specific locations.

Upgrades include:

  • wider and safer roads with shoulder construction and sealing
  • pavement repairs
  • upgraded and new safety barriers installed
  • construction and sealing of emergency stopping areas
  • line marking improvements and installing guideposts.

Safety has been improved with these works by:

  • providing smoother and more reliable journeys
  • reducing the likelihood and severity of run-off crashes 
  • helping drivers stay in control if their vehicle leaves the road, and
  • improving the road alignment.

Thank you for your patience as we delivered this important project.

Overview

The Australian and Victorian Governments invested $8.06 million through the 2023-26 Road Safety Program to improve safety and efficiency along the Great Alpine Road.

This scenic route, stretching from Wangaratta to Bairnsdale through the Victorian Alps, is vital for local communities, industries, and tourism. As one of Victoria’s two ‘Great’ tourist routes, it attracts tens of thousands of visitors each year and serves as a key transport link for agriculture, timber, and regional travel.

The stretch of road between Bruthen to Cobungra had narrow lanes with limited sealed shoulders.

Between 2015 and 2024, this section of road saw 71 crashes, leading to 44 serious injuries and three tragic fatalities. By upgrading this stretch, we’ve made it safer for everyone—whether you're a local, a tourist, or a transport operator.

Infrastructure plays a vital role in preventing serious crashes. It also helps reduce the severity of crashes should a crash occur.

Smart infrastructure enhances road safety

As we continue to improve our roads, upgrades such as wider lanes, clearer markings, lane realignment, and safety barriers make travel safer and more forgiving for all road users.

Driver behaviour also plays a crucial role in road safety. Adjusting to conditions, maintaining safe speeds, and staying focused help create a safer and more reliable journey along the Great Alpine Road.

Get in touch

For more information about this project, please get in touch:

Email: [email protected]

Call:    133 778

Write: Department of Transport and Planning (DTP), GPO Box 2392
Melbourne 3001

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