Councils across Western Victoria can now apply for a share in more than $70 million for safer and more reliable roads from the Andrews Government.

Second round grants of up to $1.5 million are now available to rural councils to carry out important road rehabilitation and resealing works, road safety improvements, bridge strengthening and other upgrades.

Member for Western Victoria and Minister for Roads, Jaala Pulford, said the funding boost builds on the biggest road maintenance blitz regional Victoria has ever seen.

“We’re investing $333 million this year to repair, rebuild and resurface more than 1,500 kilometres of country arterial roads,” Ms Pulford said.

“We’re getting on with the biggest road maintenance blitz ever, fixing the roads that communities across Western Victoria rely on.

“Round two is now open, as we continue to deliver a safer, more reliable road network for every Victorian, regardless of where they live."

In round one, all 48 councils across country Victoria secured funding with 91 projects on track for completion by the end of June.

Applications for round two close 18 March with successful projects to be announced in April and councils must deliver these projects by June 2020.

The Labor Government established a dedicated country roads authority to oversee this record investment, Regional Roads Victoria, and to keep track of works currently underway or planned works visit www.regionalroads.vic.gov.au.