Bells Boulevard undergoes safety makeover

WORKS to improve safety for drivers and cyclists who travel on Bells Boulevard at Jan Juc are underway.

An approximate 2.2 kilometre stretch of the thoroughfare – between the Great Ocean Road and Bones Road intersections – is scheduled to undergo a full pavement rebuild to improve its strength, durability and longevity.

Drainage works are currently in progress, while shoulder widening and pavement works are earmarked to begin next month.

The road is believed to attract 1600 vehicles per day, with numbers increasing across summer and during the Rip Curl Pro Bells Beach April competition.

Minister for Roads, Road Safety and the Transport Accident Commission (TAC) Jaala Pulford visited the worksite last Thursday to see “firsthand” how the upgrade would deliver benefits for both the Surf Coast community and its tourists.

“Bells Boulevard is an important connection for the local community as well as thousands of visitors who flock to Bells Beach each year – and these works will ensure it is smoother, stronger and safer for everyone,” Ms Pulford said.

Bells Boulevard is also a popular cycling route, with the road forming part of the annual Cadel Evans Great Ocean Road Race’s course.

Member for South Barwon Darren Cheeseman said the state government’s $425 million investment in maintenance jobs across Victoria – which will see around 1500 kilometres of regional roads upgraded – was vital to achieving community safety.

“Our massive maintenance blitz is improving the roads that our communities rely on, just like Bells Boulevard,” he said.

Works will pause over the Christmas and New Year period to limit disruption and delays. Major road reconstruction will commence in 2020. Works will take place from Monday to Friday – between 7am-5.30pm – and are expected to be completed by the end of March.

Locals are advised that speed and lane restrictions may be in place at different times to keep drivers and workers safe. For updates and to check out what other works are in progress or planned in the area, visit regionalroads.vic.gov.au.