Funding announced for stage two of the Barwon Heads Road upgrade

THE Albanese Labor Government has announced an extra $68.2 million in funding for the second stage of the upgrade to Barwon Heads Road.

These upgrades will complete works from Reserve Road through to Lower Duneed Road, upgrading about 6km of road infrastructure, taking it from a two-lane to a new four-lane arterial road.

New traffic lights, upgraded intersections, and a new shared-use path will also be included in the works.

The Victorian government adjusted the scope for the project earlier this year, reducing the works to a 3.5km stretch.

Speaking at the announcement in Armstrong Creek this morning (Friday, March 21) alongside Deputy Prime Minister Richard Marles, Corangamite Labor federal member Ms Coker confirmed the full scope of the project will now include the entire 6km of works.

“The federal government has always been committed to the duplication of the road, we have always said that the federal Labor team will back in the duplication all the way to the Lower Mount Duneed roundabout.”

The $68.2 million in funding will upgrade approximately 6km of infrastructure and turn the two-lane road into four lanes.

State and federal governments have both contributed to the project, equaling $318 million.

Works on the project are expected to begin in late 2025 with completion estimated in 2028.

Ms Coker said she was proud to be part of a government that plans and invests in the infrastructure communities need.

“The Barwon Heads Road duplication will create a safer road environment for our fast-growing region by improving traffic-flow and ensuring working families spend less time in the car and more time at home.

“We know that Barwon Heads Road is projected to carry up to 40,000 cars and trucks every day and Armstrong Creek is one of Victoria’s fastest growing Suburbs – this is massive growth and Barwon Heads Road will play a key role in connecting our new communities to Geelong and the Bellarine.”

Mr Marles said the area’s growth had put an increased pressure on the existing road.

“The duplication of Barwon Heads Road through to the lower Duneed Road roundabout will now be a really critical piece of infrastructure which will help facilitate the lives of those people who are now living right here.

“This is a great place to live and raise a family, but it’s even better now with this infrastructure.”