Princes Freeway upgrades begin

WORK has begun on a $9.6 million project to improve the safety and the smoothness of the Princes Freeway at Geelong.

About 14 kilometres of key segments of road between will be asphalted between Waurn Ponds and Little River.

The program includes the improvement of five sections of lanes between the Hamilton Highway overpass and Beach Road off-ramp, and 11 sections of lanes between Little River and Draytons Road.

Minister for Roads and Road Safety Ben Carroll said the works would significantly reduce risks for many commuters and holiday travellers.

“We’re rolling out a major program of work on this important route over coming months to provide everyone travelling between Melbourne and Geelong and beyond with a smoother, safer and more reliable journey.

“Crews will work on these sites outside peak travel times to limit the disruption to traffic, particularly as Melburnians can safely visit and enjoy all that the Surf Coast and south west Victoria have to offer.”

An average of 47,000 vehicles use the Princess Freeway each day.

Lane closures and speed limit reductions will be in place, although works will stop during peak season, from December 18 to January 31.

For up to date information on traffic conditions, head to traffic.vicroads.vic.gov.au.