A Royal Automobile Club of Victoria survey identified the three-kilometre stretch of road between Nolan and Heinz streets, along with Latrobe Terrace in Geelong, as the state’s most congested.

RACV roads and traffic manager Dave Jones said respondents to the survey highlighted peak periods in the morning and afternoon as those of most concern.

Mr Jones said the increased number of responses to this year’s “Redspot” survey indicated motorists were becoming increasingly frustrated at being stuck in traffic.

“I think people in general don’t want to spend time sitting in traffic,” he said.

“They’ve got much better things to do with their time, whether it’s working or doing social activities or shopping or playing or whatever it might be.”

VicRoads is currently in the planning stages of upgrading Napier Street between Weeroona Avenue and Hall Street, with $30.4 million in funding from the state government.

RACV public policy general manger Brian Negus said the works would be a welcome development for motorists, cyclists and pedestrians alike.

“We are pleased to see that VicRoads is currently planning for upgrades to this section of the Midland Highway as strong growth in recent years in northern suburbs like Epsom has significantly added to traffic congestion,” he said.

Draft designs for the redevelopment were released for public comment in June and include:

Member for Bendigo East Jacinta Allan said Napier Street serviced one of the fastest growing regional areas in Australia and carried 20,000 vehicles each day.

“Napier Street needs a significant upgrade because of the significant volume of traffic that it carries,” she said.

For the latest on the upgrade visit www.vicroads.vic.gov.au/planning-and-projects/regional-road-projects/napier-street-upgrade-bendigo