VIC's Western Highway duplication to restart construction

The Western Highway duplication project between Buangor and Ararat is set to restart construction this year, after a new planning amendment was approved.

Minister for Roads and Road Safety Luke Donnellan said that a contractor to deliver this vital project is expected to be appointed soon to get construction underway this month.

“We’re building a better Western Highway to support communities and the regional economy across Western Victoria.

“Drivers are seeing the benefits of 55 kilometres the Western Highway that’s already been duplicated and we’re pleased to restart works on the section to Ararat,” Mr Donnellan said.

Works on this Western Highway project was stopped in February 2017 when the original Incorporated Document expired for the construction of the 12.5-kilometre section of the road.

This project will include:

• Duplicating the highway to two lanes in each direction
• Additional turning lanes
• A new bridge over the railway line
• Two new bridges over the Hopkins River
• An interchange at Hillside Road

This vital safety upgrade is set to save lives as well as make transport and trade more efficient between Adelaide and Melbourne. Construction on section 2b – between Buangor and Ararat – of the Western Highway duplication is expected to take approximately two years to complete.

These works are part of a $672 million project funded by the Australian and Victorian Governments.

“The construction of the 12.5-kilometre section between Buangor and Ararat is the next step in delivering the safer, more efficient connection between Ballarat and Stawell that our local community needs.

“Drivers on rural roads are four times more likely to die in an accident – that’s why we’re making the Western Highway safer,” Member for Western Victoria Jaala Pulford said.

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Source: Premier of Victoria