Drivers, cyclists and pedestrians in Geelong are a step closer to benefiting from safer and more reliable journeys, thanks to the Barwon Heads Road Upgrade.
Minister for Transport Infrastructure Jacinta Allan and Member for South Barwon Darren Cheeseman today visited the site to see how works are progressing.
The project will see new lanes added for approximately four kilometres between Settlement Road and Reserve Road, remove a dangerous level crossing at Marshall, and upgrade intersections at Settlement Road and Breakwater Road to make it safer and easier for locals to travel.
Bridge beams weighing 56 tonne have since been lifted into place - to form the new four-lane road bridge at Waurn Ponds. The nine 30metre long beams - manufactured in Kilmore - were installed as a part of the staged construction of the new bridge that will replace the existing two-lane bridge over the Waurn Ponds Creek.
Seven more beams will be installed later in the year to complete the new bridge and provide two lanes in each direction to support the increased traffic flow on Barwon Heads Road - which is anticipated to reach 44,000 daily users by 2031.
The crossing will also include a new shared user path for pedestrians and cyclists. New street lighting, road signage, drainage and landscaping will also be installed as part of the upgrade.
While works continue, the northbound lane on Barwon Heads Road between Breakwater and Settlement roads will be closed from Friday 27 May until Friday 17 June. A detour will be in place via Settlement Road and Breakwater Road. The Breakwater Road intersection will then be closed from Friday 17 June to Monday 11 July.
The Barwon Heads Road Upgrade is expected to be complete the end of 2023.
As stated by Minister for Transport Infrastructure Jacinta Allan
"It's great to see works progressing on the Barwon Heads Road Upgrade - which will benefit the local community with slashed travel times and improved safety."
"That's why we're getting on with this important project - which will also provide better connections and more reliable journeys for the many families, business owners and essential services living in or visiting the region."
As stated by Member for South Barwon Darren Cheeseman
"We're making great progress on the Barwon Heads Road Upgrade - with beams for the new bridge over Waurn Ponds Creek now lifted into place."
"Once complete, the new bridge will offer additional lanes to help ease congestion and make it a safer trip for road users as they travel throughout the area."
