Barwon Heads Road upgrade progresses to meet future demand

THE Barwon Heads Road upgrade is moving forward, with the state government announcing an adjusted scope for the project while the federal government maintains its commitment to the original plan.

Both governments say the project remains on track to meet the needs of Armstrong Creek’s growing population.

According to the state government, Stage 2 of the upgrade, initially planned to extend from Reserve Road to Lower Duneed Road, will now focus on a 3.5-kilometre section between Reserve Road and Lake Road.

The federal government says its full $125 million funding commitment remains in place.

A spokesperson for the federal member for Corangamite, Libby Coker, said the government is working with the Victorian government to deliver the project as planned.

“The Albanese Government has allocated $125 million to the Barwon Heads Road Stage 2 Project,” the spokesperson said.

“We are working with the Victorian Government to ensure the full scope of the project will be delivered from Reserve Road to Lower Mount Duneed Road.”

While the federal government says it remains committed to the original project scope, the Victorian government has framed the changes as a necessary adjustment based on updated traffic modelling and planning.

According to the Victorian government, updated traffic modelling indicates the revised scope will meet expected demand until 2036 and reduce the need for land acquisition and environmental impacts.

“The second stage of the Barwon Heads Road Upgrade will cut congestion and improve traffic flow across the Armstrong Creek community – delivering extra lanes and upgraded intersections,” a Victorian government spokesperson said.

“Further detailed traffic modelling indicated that upgrading the 3.5 kilometres of Barwon Heads Road between Reserve Road and Lake Road will still continue to meet demand for over the next decade – while reducing the amount of land needed to be acquired to make way for the new lanes.”

Liberal candidate for Corangamite, Darcy Dunstan, has raised concerns about the changes, saying they do not align with the original plans and could impact local travel times.

“While door knocking in Armstrong Creek this week, residents have told me it takes them 40 minutes in peak hour traffic along Barwon Heads Rd to drop their kids off at school,” Mr Dunstan said.

“We need less political talk and more honesty because Labor has done nothing but over-promised and under deliver.”

The state and federal governments have committed a total of $250 million to the project, which is expected to be completed by late 2027.