The boundaries for the deviation have now been finalised and were incorporated into the Local Planning Scheme in late 2006.

A program for the construction of the Strathermton Deviation is yet to be agreed with the Australian Federal Government.

Features
The features of the adopted route include:

• an interim two-lane two-way highway (with provisions for future duplication when traffic volumes warrant)
• overtaking lanes as part of the interim development
• alignment minimises impacts on a heritage sensitive area and trees in the Old Coach Road reservation
• alignment avoids a sensitive Aboriginal mound site
• alignment avoids a biologically sensitive area on the Fisher & Boers property
• four stock underpasses
• habitat studies to reduce impact on grey-crowned babbler

 
Project benefits
The alignment of the Strathmerton Deviation will:

• eliminate the current indirect route for traffic movements west of Strathmerton and Tocumwal along the Goulburn Valley Highway
• save 9km of travel compared with the current route, and 
• enhance safety by eliminating a number of curves and narrow bridges approaching the Murray River near the border with NSW

Managing the environment
Environment Australia has advised that the preferred alignment is environmentally acceptable, subject to the environmental safeguard measures outlined in the Environment Effects Statement being implemented.

Involving the Community
A Community Liaison Group will be formed with representatives from Council, landowners and key stakeholder groups to assist VicRoads in the period leading up to construction.

Protecting our cultural heritage
VicRoads has conducted site investigations of potentially sensitive cultural heritage areas with the Yorta Yorta Nation Aboriginal Corporation and has adjusted the reservation boundaries to avoid these sites.

The cultural heritage issues have now been resolved and the boundaries for the future bypass reservation were incorporated into the local planning scheme in 2006.

Contact information
Members of the public are welcome to visit the VicRoads Office at 50-52 Clarke Street, Benalla. The office is open between 8.30am and 4.30pm Monday to Friday to view project plans and discuss issues with project staff; or you can:

• call VicRoads on (03) 5761 1888
• write to the Regional Director, North Eastern Region, VicRoads, Post Office Box 135, Benalla 3672