MANSFIELD Shire Council announced the official completion of the Heavy Vehicle Bypass upgrade last week.

Mayor Cr Steve Rabie described the works as "one of council’s greatest achievements."

However, a number of comments on the announcement from residents and route users said the job remains incomplete, raising concerns about an unsealed section on Dead Horse Lane.

The project, for which construction commenced in July 2023, involved intersection modifications, road widening, road surface upgrades, and improved roadside drainage.

The $3.5 million project was funded with $1.25 million from the Australian Government under the former Heavy Vehicle Safety and Productivity Program (now Safer Local Roads and Infrastructure Program or SLRIP) and $2.2 million from Mansfield Shire Council.

Council’s announcement prompted a mix of concern and queries from both residents and route users.

They highlighted the unsealed section near Dead Horse Lane near the Benalla Road, enquiring about the timing for sealing and how funding was allocated.

Some questioned the safety of this unsealed portion, noting that it impacts heavy vehicle use.

Truck drivers highlighted the difficulties of navigating additional turns and stops compared to existing routes.

The project developer commented about the unsealed section, suggesting that funding for that part was shifted to development rather than being covered by the initial government funds.

He suggested the project may have been underfunded and noted that funding decisions were made before the development planning was complete, which is still ongoing.

Council said that the unsealed section will be addressed as part of future development plans, with contributions sought from the developer.

"When a landowner puts in a permit request for a development, council puts conditions on the permit," said Mayor Cr Steve Rabie.

"This is so that any development comes with the infrastructure needed to service our community.

"For industrial subdivisions, this would include the developer sealing the road.

"Council rezoned land on the corner of Dead Horse Lane and the Midland Highway (Benalla Road) from farming to industrial land.

"This provides a significant increase in value to the landowner.

"The HVAR project is now completed - it is gazetted for use on the National Heavy Vehicle Register.

"Council does not believe that developers should profit at the cost of our ratepayers and community.

"That’s why we won’t use ratepayer funds to subsidise private development costs.

"However, council always tries to work collaboratively with landowners seeking to develop their land."