Surf Coast Highway reopened to traffic

THE Surf Coast Highway has reopened to traffic in both directions, as the winter construction blitz on the South Geelong to Waurn Ponds Duplication project nears completion.

The highway, which reopened to traffic this morning (Friday, August 16) at approximately 10.30am, has undergone significant changes over the past two weeks.

The boom gates have now been removed and the road between Baanip Boulevard and Hansen Drive has been resurfaced.

The area now also features an elevated rail bridge, separating the track from motorists in a bid to enhance the safety of the area and reduce disruptions to Surf Coast Highway traffic and Geelong line train services.

A spokesperson from Regional Rail Revival thanked the community for its patience while the work was completed.

The week, V/Line has also announced a series of test trains without passengers will run on the Warrnambool line to prepare the track for the return of passenger trains on Monday, August 26.

Coaches will continue to replace trains between Geelong and Warrnambool until then.

Federal member for Corangamite Libby Coker celebrated the progress of the “transformative project” which will see “many more trains on the line”.

“We know Armstrong Creek, the Bellarine and the Surf Coast are rapidly growing, and the Albanese government is delivering the infrastructure that our communities need to be safe, to be healthy and to lead successful lives,” she said.