Lake Road Reconstruction
About the project
The Lake Road Reconstruction Project is a strategic investment in regional connectivity and safety. Spanning 7km through Jarvis Creek, this upgrade will enhance travel between Bellbridge, Bethanga, and Tallangatta, while supporting agricultural operations and recreational access along Lake Hume.
Key benefits include:
- Bulk earthworks to reshape and stabilise the road corridor
- Drainage upgrades to improve stormwater management and reduce erosion
- Subgrade preparation to support long-term pavement performance
- Road sealing to provide a durable, low-maintenance surface that improves ride quality and reduces dust
- Widening and realignment to enhance sight distances and overtaking opportunities
- Signage and safety improvements to support all road users
This project is aimed at connecting communities, supporting local productivity, and unlocking economic and recreational opportunities across the region.
Stage 1 – Bellbridge/Bethanga End
Stage 1 focuses on the eastern section of Lake Road, where crews have:
- Completed bulk earthworks and subgrade preparation
- Begun laying the first layer of road pavement
- Upgraded drainage infrastructure to improve stormwater management
- This stage sets the foundation for the broader reconstruction effort and is expected to be completed by 2026.
Future Stages
Subsequent stages will continue westward, progressively improving:
- Road geometry and lane widths
- Sight distances and overtaking opportunities
- Signage and safety features
Each stage will be communicated in advance, with updates provided as works progress. This ensures transparency and allows residents, farmers, and recreational users to plan around construction activity.
Why a staged approach?
Delivering the Lake Road upgrade in stages allows the Council to:
- Upgrade unsealed sections of Lake Road in line with our Council Plan
- Minimise traffic disruption and maintain access for agricultural vehicles
- Coordinate work with seasonal conditions and contractor availability
- Apply learnings from each stage to improve delivery efficiency
This strategic investment supports regional connectivity, enhances safety, and unlocks economic and recreational opportunities across the Lake Hume corridor.
Why is the project being undertaken?
The Upgrade of Lake Road represents a significant opportunity to improve the safety outcomes of all road users. Enhanced access to agricultural vehicles and recreation opportunities along Lake Hume. This investment is of strategic importance to connecting communities and plays an important role in ensuring the region's productivity, connectivity and economic and community development.
Project updates
August 2025
Works officially commenced on Stage 1 of the Lake Road Reconstruction Project. Initial activities included demolition of existing infrastructure, drainage upgrades to improve stormwater management, and extensive excavation and fill operations across the full project extent.
September 2025
Earthworks continued throughout September, with crews focused on preparing the subgrade. This foundational work is essential to ensure long-term durability and performance of the upgraded road. Completion of this phase is expected by October.
October 2025
Bulk earthworks and subgrade preparation have now been completed pending Council sign-off. With the groundwork laid, the first layer of road construction is set to begin shortly. This marks a major milestone in the Lake Road upgrade, bringing us closer to delivering a safer and more accessible route for all road users.
December 2025
Upgrades from the Bethanga end of Lake Road have continued to progress. The first 500m is now sealed! Widening is underway from 500m to 1,200m, and safety upgrades including guideposts, signposts, and fencing have been installed along this initial stretch.
Next steps: work will slow down over the festive season, we’re exploring funding to expand the project, and a stage review will help inform future construction.
Contact the Project Manager
Project Manager: Sam Hall
Phone: 1300 365 222
Email: info@towong.vic.gov.au
