THE rest area at Flat Rock on the Hume Freeway near Euroa is set for an upgrade, following a $1.92 million announcement by theAndrews Labor Government as part of the 2015-16 Victorian Budget. Jaclyn Symes (MLC, Northern Victoria) said the upgrade would see the truck rest area expanded and its facilities improved to cater for the increasing volume of vehicles that travel southbound along the Hume Freeway a key part of Victorias growing economy. Work will include widening the existing truck stop to expand capacity, creating 13 new bays for B-doubles and cars, and providing new toilet amenities, Ms Symes said. The expansion of the truck rest area will also encourage drivers to take breaks and reduce fatigue ensuring a safer driving environment for all road users. It will also support productivity for freight operators and their compliance with driving hour regulations and provide a safe off-road site to check loads. Construction is planned to commence later this year and be completed by early 2016. The project is one of four projects jointly funded under the Commonwealth Governments Heavy Vehicle Safety and Productivity Program and the State Governments Priority Road Upgrades Program. As a regular traveller on the Hume Freeway I know firsthand the importance of rest areas and this important upgrade at Flat Rock will benefit all of the travelling community, especially truck drivers, Ms Symes said. The Victorian economy relies on our freight industry and the expansion of the rest area will ensure that capacity meets expected growth and demand and reduces driver fatigue, meaning a safer driving environment for all road users.