Over 100 local and arterial roads are closed across Victoria as a result of the recent bushfires.
Transport Victoria says its now working with emergency services to inspect roads, prioritise repairs and reopen roads when it’s safe to do so.
“The number one priority is community safety and we cannot reopen a road until it has been deemed safe to do so,” said Transport Victoria.
“Bushfires can damage road surfaces, safety barriers, signage, markings and bridges.
“Once a bushfire is under control, emergency services and environmental specialists can turn their focus to opening roads.
“Arborists and other specialists undertake environmental assessments and remove hazardous trees before our Transport Victoria crews begin work.
“Our first task is to inspect the road, remove debris, repair the road surface, and replace damaged safety barriers and road signage to get the road reopened.
“While we do this our crews are assessing what longer term repairs are required.”
While some roads will reopen within days, other roads with more significant damage or in active fire grounds will take longer.
Once roads reopen, Transport Victoria is urging road users to drive to the posted speed limit and conditions.
As part of State and Federal Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements, $82 million will be invested to restore and repair state roads and public transport infrastructure damaged by the January 2026 Victorian bushfires.
There has been a significant impact not only on the road surfaces but also critical roadside and safety infrastructure including barriers, signage and vegetation as well as the strain to roads from heavy machinery used for tree clearing on the roads.
For the most up-to-date information on road closures in bushfire affected communities visit the VicTraffic website.