Its poor condition has long been a disgrace, a hindrance to locals and a deterrent to visitors.

So it is a relief the work has finally started on sealing the last 28 kilometres.

Victorian Roads Minister Terry Mulder is to be congratulated on getting on with a job the former Labor government neglected.

The former Kennett-McNamara government began the task of sealing the narrow, twisting road in the 1990s.

In 2006 a highway action group, led by John Scales with the support of Towong Shire’s Mary Fraser and then MPs Tony Plowman, Bill Baxter and Craig Ingram, understandably became impatient and pushed to have the project finished.

Sure, the Labor government sealed the Bogong High Plains Road but it was tardy about the Omeo-Mitta link.

The highway, a vital link during bushfires, has been shut at times by fire, floods and snow.

Sealing all of it will help snow-clearing efforts and keep traffic moving better in winter.

Mr Mulder must ensure both stages of the work are completed without delay and the road is keep in good condition.