Works to repair the Murray Valley Highway between Sleepy Lane and the Loddon Valley Highway were completed last week, with motorists quickly taking advantage of the reopened road.

The road had been unsuitable for traffic use since last year’s floods, when a levee was built along the highway to protect the southern part of Kerang from inundation.

Contractors employed by VicRoads spent the past month repairing the road surface to return it to a suitable standard.

Works included laying a new road base to return the section’s height to its original level, as well as further strengthening and stabilising efforts.

“We had initially planned for the works to be completed by March, but we understand the importance of the road and its need to be opened quicker than normal,” VicRoads northern Victoria regional manager Mal Kersting said.

Speed restrictions have been put in place, with the road to return to its normal limitations next week.

Linemarking efforts are also scheduled for Friday, weather permitting.

However, signage highlighting the detour around the affected road was not removed until after the section was reopened.

Signage on the southern side of the Loddon Valley Highway still had references to Cohuna and Echuca boarded up on Sunday.

“As part of the works program we will do an inspection of all of the signs around the area,” Mr Kersting said.