Highway duplication nears completion

FASTER commute times, increased vehicle safety and reduction in emissions can be expected as work starts on the last stage of the Winchelsea to Colac Princes Highway duplication.

Corangamite federal member Sarah Henderson said the 8.5km stretch between Warncoort and Baillie Street East Colac was the final part of a $363.5 million joint federal and state project.

“The completed project will increase capacity, improve travel time reliability and vehicle safety and reduce vehicle operating costs and environmental emissions,” Ms Henderson said.

“I am delighted that the project is on track and the issue of using the borrow pits for road making soil has been settled.”

Upon completion 35 kilometres of the Princes Highway from Deans Marsh Road, Winchelsea to Baillie Street, Colac will have been upgraded.

“The Turnbull Government has proudly committed $181.7 to this project which includes upgrading existing bridges, pedestrian and cycling paths and grade separating the Geelong-Warrnambool rail line near Warncoort,” Ms
Henderson said.

“This is such a vital project for the Corangamite electorate and south-west Victoria – for road safety, jobs and as an incentive to bring new industries to regional Victoria.”