The Australian Government has approved $10 million funding to upgrade the Western Highway between Stawell and the South Australian border, matching the $10 million commitment from the Victorian Government.
The project aims to improve road safety and reliability through pavement and intersection upgrades, and reduce disruptions due to periodic road surface repairs.
Victorian Minister for Roads and Road Safety Luke Donnellan said the highway was a critical connection for the state.
“The Western Highway links to other key freight routes such as the Midland, Sunraysia, Pyrenees, Henty and Wimmera Highways, so upgrading the highway from Stawell to the South Australian border is an important boost to freight and passenger connectivity,” Mr. Donnellan said.
Federal Member for Mallee Andrew Broad, who also chairs the Black Spot Committee for Victoria, said the safety element of the works would boost safety for freight operators and other motorists.
“Tragically, this section of the Western Highway has seen seven fatalities between mid-2011 and mid-2016, so the safety upgrades included in this project are of particular importance. The roundabout at O’Callaghans Parade in Horsham will be upgraded, and there will be more visible LED traffic signals and pavement improvements made at various locations through to the South Australian border,” Mr. Broad said.
Work on the upgrade is expected to begin in late 2017, with completion due in late 2020.