The Victorian Liberals and Nationals have pledged $50.1 million to widen a 1.7-kilometre stretch of Beechworth Road in Wodonga’s growth corridor if elected on 28 November.

The project would upgrade the road between Baranduda Boulevard and Yarralumla Drive in Leneva, providing two lanes in each direction.

The Coalition says the extra lanes would ease congestion and improve safety for residents travelling to work and school as Wodonga grows.

“Wodonga is growing, and families deserve roads that can keep up,” Opposition Leader Jess Wilson said.

The pledge forms part of the Coalition’s Fair Share Guarantee, under which it says at least 25 per cent of new Victorian government infrastructure spending would go to regional Victoria.

Shadow Minister for Transport Infrastructure Evan Mulholland said road investment had failed to keep pace with growth in communities such as Wodonga.

“After 12 years of Labor, growing communities deserve better than congested roads and infrastructure that hasn’t kept pace with demand,” he said.

Liberal candidate for Benambra Steve Martin said residents had been calling for the upgrade. He pointed to the Coalition’s broader $5 billion pledge to repair and rebuild Victorian roads, which includes a target of fixing one million potholes.

The announcement did not specify when construction would start or when the upgraded road would open.

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