Did You Know - Road Hierarchy

Did You Know - Road Hierarchy

Why Council Uses a Road Hierarchy

Yarriambiack Shire Council oversees 4,603 kilometers of roads throughout both towns and rural areas. The roads differ in their functions, traffic levels, and maintenance needs. With only limited funding available for the road network, the Council uses a priority system to categorise roads and decide which ones will receive more resources and attention within the Shire.

A road hierarchy is the system Council uses to fairly and transparently manage this network. It helps Council decide where to prioritise maintenance, inspections and investment, based on how roads are used and their importance to the community.

What Is a Road Hierarchy?

A road hierarchy groups roads into categories according to their function, traffic volumes and community role.

Put simply:

Roads that connect towns or carry higher traffic are prioritised for more frequent inspections and higher standards

Roads with lower traffic volumes are maintained at a level appropriate to how they are used

This approach ensures limited funding delivers the greatest overall benefit to the community.

How the Hierarchy Is Used

Each road's classification helps determine:

Whether it is sealed, gravel or earth

How often it is inspected

What type of maintenance is carried out

When major upgrades may be considered

Importantly, the hierarchy does not automatically upgrade roads. Major improvements only occur when funding is approved through Council's capital works program.

The Main Road Types (At a Glance)

Rural Roads

Rural Link Roads - Key sealed routes linking towns, districts and major industrial sites

Rural Collector Roads - Form the rural road grid and collect traffic from access roads

Rural Access (Primary) - Provide all‑weather access to occupied farm residences or key public facilities

Rural Access (Secondary & Minor) - Lower‑use roads primarily serving farming or business access

Urban Roads

Urban Commercial & Collector Roads - Roads in town centres and main connectors

Urban Access Roads - Streets and laneways providing access to homes and businesses

Special Purpose Roads

Some roads are maintained to a higher standard for specific reasons, such as school bus routes, firefighting access or approved business needs.

How Roads Are Maintained

Routine Maintenance

Routine works focus on keeping roads safe and serviceable, including:

Pothole repairs

Grading and resheeting gravel roads

Resealing sealed roads

These works maintain existing conditions but do not change a road's classification.

Inspections

Higher‑use roads are inspected more frequently, while lower‑use roads are inspected upon request. This risk‑based approach helps Council respond where safety issues are most likely to arise.

Please note that Council does not inspect every section of its road network. The inspection schedule is detailed in the road hierarchy document, so residents and road users are encouraged to familiarise themselves with this hierarchy. If you notice any issues with the road network, please report them through Council's designated channels.

Major Upgrades

Significant upgrades or reconstructions are planned through Council's Capital Works Program, developed as part of the annual budget and long‑term financial planning.

Who Is Responsible?

Council maintains local (municipal) roads

State roads and highways are managed by the Victorian Government

In town centres, responsibilities may be shared under formal agreements

Understanding who is responsible helps ensure issues are reported to the right authority.

How to Report a Road Issue

Residents can help by reporting road issues such as:

Potholes or surface damage

Flooding or drainage problems

Unsafe conditions

Providing the road name, location details and photos (if possible) helps Council respond more efficiently.

Council offers Snap Send Solve, its website, and Customer Service phone support for reporting road network issues.

Why This Matters

The road hierarchy:

Supports fair and consistent decision‑making

Aligns spending with safety and community benefit

Helps Council meet its legal obligations

Sets clear expectations about service levels across the road network

More detailed information is available in Council's Road Hierarchy and Road Management Plan on the

Council website

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