Planning for tomorrow’s traffic

ON your most recent drive around Armstrong Creek, you have likely noticed a number of roadworks and detours.

While these can be frustrating and inconvenient, commuters frequenting Warralily Boulevard and Coastside Drive will be pleased to hear that major renewal works on these vital roads are now complete.

On the surface these roads may have appeared to have been in better condition than some of the other roads in the area. But in reality, these streets were both in serious need of repair, having served as major haulage routes for heavy construction vehicles over the years to support our area’s development.

All that heavy lifting took a toll, and the structural integrity of these roads was deteriorating.

Think of a road’s surface like a waterproof rain jacket. When that jacket wears out, water gets into the “body” underneath, damaging the foundational rock. Once that foundation softens, potholes and structural failures follow.

Our recent renewal works have weatherproofed and strengthened these vital links so they can safely handle our community’s evolving traffic needs.

The renewal was funded by the Australian government through the Roads to Recovery program and covered 4.1km of Warralily Boulevard from Barwon Heads Road to the Surf Coast Highway, as well as 500m of Coastside Drive between the Surf Coast Highway and Stein Avenue.

To minimise the impact on your daily commute, our city works team carefully timed these projects, taking into consideration road usage, scheduling for other projects – especially those requiring detours and how future development might affect the road network down the line.

As council’s Environment & Circular Economy portfolio deputy chair, I was thrilled with the sustainability component of this construction.

The renewal works used 33 per cent recycled materials, including recycled asphalt, glass and rubber, helping deliver a smoother and quieter drive while diverting a significant amount of waste from landfill.

Construction began in November 2025 and in total, 61,000sqm of asphalt was renewed.

It’s a relief to see this major link back in operation, ready to support the thousands of cars, buses and trucks travelling to work, school and home each day.

Across the region, we’re upgrading our roads to support ongoing development, while also promoting active travel and green pathways.

Residents travelling Boundary Road will be impacted by upcoming major repair works to the road surface to address its condition.

We have been prioritising heavy vehicles on Boundary Road to help reduce the number of roads damaged by frequent truck use. It was identified for this use because of its straight connection from Torquay Road to Barwon Heads Road.

Looking further ahead, a permanent fix is on the way. As part of the Armstrong Creek Masterplan, developers will eventually realign the stretch between Ashbury Boulevard and Torquay Road, moving the main driving lanes closer to the town centre.

Once that happens, the old Boundary Road will be transformed into a dedicated greenway – protecting our native vegetation while creating a fantastic walking and cycling path for local families.

While these works may mean temporary detours for some daily commuters, they are vital to ensure our network is able to support the community whilst the growth area continues to expand.

I would like to sincerely thank the local community for your continued patience and understanding during these essential works.

Cr Emma Sinclair

Charlemont ward, City of Greater Geelong