VicRoads said resurfacing was being undertaken this week by contractors on sections not completed earlier in the year and a few patches were being fixed on the two east-bound lanes.

“Sealing to provide a smoother surface is expected mid-January and the work will take a couple of weeks to complete, dependent on weather,” regional manager William Tieppo said.

“VicRoads will monitor this during the festive season to ensure the road remains safe for all road users.”

Bitumen on the eastbound lanes between Horne Road and Allansford deteriorated badly in May after an April resurfacing job fell apart.

VicRoads told The Standard at the time the treatment should prolong the pavement three to five years before major reconstruction was needed.

But the road surface remained bumpy and potholed.

Meanwhile, work on resurfacing a 1.5-kilometre section of the highway near McKinnons Bridge between Terang and Camperdown and a one-kilometre section of the Henty Highway ring road at Portland will be improved early next year.

“These works will rectify the poor condition of the pavement at these sites, making the road safer for everyone,” Mr Tieppo said.

The McKinnons Bridge project is to improve the eastbound overtaking lane.

Resurfacing of a 500-metre section of the Hamilton Highway, east of Darlington,  and a 700-metre section east of Mortlake have been completed.

“These highways carry thousands of vehicles a day travelling through Victoria and beyond, many of which are laden with milk, stock, timber and other freight,” Mr Tieppo said.

“Their constant weight and impact on the road surface eventually has an effect on the pavement, resulting in rough patches and potholes.”