Federal Member for Wannon Dan Tehan said the improvement works would occur along the highway in eight different sections, starting from near Mumbannar before moving out towards the South Australian border.

A 9.6-kilometre section of the highway will be rebuilt and resurfaced to make the highway safer and more reliable.

“The old surface will be churned and topped up with new crushed rock to increase the road’s strength, while bitumen resurfacing will create a smoother and safer surface,” Mr Tehan said.

State roads minister Luke Donnellan said the start of the works was part of the government’s determination to fix and maintain regional roads in south-western Victoria.

“The Princes Highway upgrade will give drivers a more comfortable journey and ensure the road can cater for the 700 or more heavy vehicles that already use the road each day,” Mr Donnellan said.

State Member for Western Victoria Gayle Tierney said the $7 million improvement works were part of the Australian and Victorian governments’ $40 million investment to improve the Princes Highway from Colac to the South Australian border.

“Drivers will be able to see and feel the immediate difference the works will make in just a few months’ time,” Ms Tierney said.

Federal transport minister Barnaby Joyce said the “upgrade will give a real kick to the dairy and forestry industries which regularly transport goods from the border region into the Port of Portland.”