Drysdale bypass works hit milestone

PROGRESS on the $117 million Drysdale bypass has reached a major milestone, with the completion of earthworks now allowing for work on the road surface to begin.

Bellarine MP Lisa Neville inspected the bypass on Friday, remarking that the project, once seen as a pipe dream in the local community, is fast becoming a welcome reality.

“The Drysdale Bypass will transform the way drivers and locals travel through the area, and I’m thrilled we’ve reached this major milestone and can see it rapidly taking shape,’’ Ms Neville said.

“This project is about more than laying asphalt – we’re building a bypass and better shared user paths to help people move safely around their community whether they’re in a car, on a bike or on foot.”

Construction at the six-kilometre road began in October 2018 and since then crews have moved more than 300,000 cubic metres of soil to cut and fill a path for the road.

About 600,000 tonnes of material has been excavated from high points at Drakes and Murradoc Rds to raise foundations near Peninsula Drive and Andersons Road.

In June, work will start on the Bellarine Railway overpass, a 25m long arch to carry the road over the tourist railway.

When complete, the bypass will divert most of the 20,000 current vehicle movements through the heart of Drysdale away to the south of town. More than 10 percent of those are heavy vehicles.

A pedestrian underpass will also be built to provide a safer, fast-tracked path for students and pedestrians to get to schools and the sporting precinct.

Inspirational words chosen by local students will be permanently etched into the walls of the underpass, with construction expected to begin next month.

The project is expected to be complete in mid- 2020 and is being delivered by Major Road Projects Victoria.