Princes Highway upgrade to Winchelsea kicks off
Fri 25 March 2011
Safer and smoother travel along the Princes Highway between Waurn Ponds and Winchelsea is one step closer today with major construction starting on the $220 million highway duplication project.
The works, which started as earthmovers dug in to clear the way for the 23 kilometre highway upgrade is being funded 50-50 by the federal and state governments.
VicRoads has engaged in three years of planning and designing in preparation for the upgrade.
The Princes Highway West – Waurn Ponds to Winchelsea project involves the construction of a four lane, dual carriageway on this stretch of the highway.
This project continues on from the western extension of the Geelong Ring Road through to Winchelsea and will deliver a significant boost to both state and regional development.
The duplication will improve the safety, reliability and freight viability, including port and market access, along this key route; and connect communities, services and south west tourist destinations.
It is a great day for the local community as they have been fighting to see this stretch of road duplicated.
When completed in 2014, drivers will be able to travel on a safer and better road between Melbourne and Winchelsea.
This project is also great for jobs and flow on benefits for the local community with the project resulting in over 100 direct jobs during construction.
This project is just one part of the Australian Government’s $7.9 billion investment in land transport programs in Victoria under the Nation Building Program.
