A new roundabout at the intersection of the Western Freeway and Ballarat-Maryborough Road is now complete and will boost safety at the busy Miners Rest intersection.
The Allan Labor Government's crucial investment improves safety and makes sure the community is prepared for the residential and commercial growth in Ballarat's West.
The Labor Government has invested $5.6 million to build a new roundabout at the interchange, with a new shared user path catering to pedestrians and cyclists also delivered as part of the upgrade.
The interchange connects the Western Freeway's on and off ramps to Ballarat-Maryborough Road, which carries approximately 13,000 vehicles a day.
Residential growth near the interchange and commercial development in the Ballarat West Employment Zone (BWEZ) have significantly increased traffic through the Western Freeway/Ballarat-Maryborough Road interchange.
The upgrade is crucial to reduce risk taking behaviour and ensure planned infrastructure is matched with areas of population growth and anticipated service demands.
This new roundabout will improve the quality of a major freight routes to BWEZ, resulting in reduced running costs and greater efficiencies for the industry.
As stated by Minister for Roads and Road Safety Melissa Horne
"We're delighted to finish this important upgrade for the people of Ballarat's West as we make the interchange safer for drivers, pedestrians and bike riders.
"We identified the Western Freeway/Ballarat-Maryborough Road interchange as a crucial connection for many - so this upgrade will provide massive benefits for the local community, with shared user path facilities and a new roundabout built for safer journeys.
As stated by Member for Ripon Martha Haylett
"We would like to thank the local community for their patience while we delivered this major upgrade which is all about catering to Ballarat's continued growth, particularly in the city's west."
