Work has begun to widen and upgrade the Western Highway between Buangor and Ararat to duplicate a 12.5 kilometre stretch of road and deliver a four-lane divided route.
The Federal and Victorian governments have invested $672 million for the duplication of the Western highway between Ballarat and Stawell, including construction to Ararat.
Upgrades will include additional turning lanes, a new bridge over the nearby railway line, two new lanes in each direction, two new bridges over Hopkins River and an interchange at Hillside Road with entry and exit ramps.
The works will include six kilometres of a new dual carriageway in farmland to the south of the existing Western Highway in an effort to cause less disruption while the upgrade is underway.
The Western Highway is one of Victoria’s key trade routes, linking the region’s primary producers with Melbourne’s domestic and export markets. It also serves as the major connection between Melbourne and Adelaide.
The highway will be opened to traffic as work is completed, with the section expected to be finished in 2020.
Victorian Minister for Roads and Road Safety Luke Donnellan said the Western Highway is on of Victoria’s busiest rural highways, which is why the state government is ensuring it is safer and more reliable.
“These upgrades will better connect Western Victorian producers to key markets within Australia and around the world – and that’s good news for local jobs and business,” Mr Donnellan said.
State Member for Western Victoria Jaala Pulford said the community is behind the project.
“It will reduce travel times and make it easier for locals to do business,” Ms Pulford said.
“We’re doing our best to ensure drivers can still get where they need to go while we get on and deliver this vital upgrade.”
Related stories:
- Joint venture wins major Western Highway duplication contract
- Western Highway safety upgrade begins
- VIC Western Highway works to resume