500 roads across Victoria remain closed right as Christmas season is in full swing

Hundreds of roads are closed and even more under alert in Victoria, prompting some serious messages from road safety groups about holiday plans. See the roads impacted.

Almost 500 road closures could put a dampener on Christmas holiday plans, with VicRoads issuing a further 210 traffic alerts in recent days.

Increased rainfall and flooding around the state has meant road conditions are less than optimal for travelling with some roads being completely destroyed.

Road Safety Promotion Australia board member Donald Gibb said while everyone was excited to get out on the road and enjoy their holiday people should “really think” before setting off.

“If you are travelling visit VicRoads website and plan your route, look closely at the roads closed and the other alerts,” he said.

“Don’t drive at night headlights just don’t pick up the potholes and undulating roads.”

He also said even “good” roads were not in the best shape.

“It is everywhere, even the major highways,” he said.

The Victorian transport department has said it was doing what it could to fix the roads but efforts had been hampered by continued wet weather.

The VicRoads traffic map, as of December 23, 2022.

“To date, the Department of Transport has patched more than 110,000 potholes, undertaken more than 5100 individual road inspections, assessed 1617 bridges and attended a total of 36 landslips as part of the emergency blitz,” a spokesman said.

A VicRoads map shows 473 current road closures around the state.

VicRoads road safety head Marcelo Vidales said lots of work had already been done on roads but drivers should still be extra careful and plan ahead.

“Some changes may be unfamiliar for some drivers – check VicTraffic before buckling up and always follow safety signs,” she said.

“We’re reminding drivers to share the road, plan ahead, avoid distractions, rest every two hours and be patient in regional areas to make our roads a safe place to travel this holiday season.”

Mr Gibb said travelling on damaged roads could have devastating consequences.

“Not only is it expensive to get your tyres or rims replaced, people can lose their lives,” he said.

“Everyone is pumping up this holiday period but there are going to be problems everywhere. It is far from good.

“Slow down. It is one thing to speed on good roads but another to do it on roads like this. Get all the information you can and don’t get over excited.”

Sadly, this year 239 Victorians have lost their lives on our roads, 16 higher than the same time last and including 45 pedestrians – including 133 lives lost on regional roads.

Popular destinations like Sorrento, Barwon Heads, Phillip Island and Lorne will be busy through the holiday season so drivers should allow extra time and be respectful of other road users.

Mr Gibb said the harvest season also meant lots of big trucks on the road, particularly in the western parts of the state.

“Give them lots of room,” he said.

“Even they are struggling to navigate these conditions.”

A Victorian transport department spokesperson said works were continuing across the state, with workers “out in force rebuilding, repairing and resurfacing roads to keep drivers safe these holidays”.

You can find road closures and traffic alerts here.