Princes Highway duplication works roll on

MUCH of the duplication of the Princes Higway between Winchelsea and Colac is done, and work is expected to be finished by the middle of next year.

Corangamite federal member Sarah Henderson gave an update on the progress of the joint state and federal project after a visit to the Conns Lane bridge construction site last week.

She said the bridge was being strengthened by increasing the deck thickness to future-proof for freight vehicles.

“Bridge barriers will be upgraded to bring them more in-line with current standards.

“Drivers are also enjoying the first section of the Princes Highway duplication, which opened more than six months ahead of schedule in April.”

Section one comprises 11.5 kilometres between Deans-Marsh Road in Winchelsea and Armytage Road.

Section four, in Colac and Colac East, is partially finished, including new intersections and an upgraded bridge over the Geelong-Warrnambool train line in East Colac. Works to be completed include a new bridge over Barongarook Creek to cater for freight vehicles.

Sections two (15 kilometres between Armytage Road and Warncoort and two new bridges over the Geelong-Warrnambool railway line) and four (8.5 kilometres between Warncoort to Colac East) are under construction.

Ms Henderson said the works to fully duplicate the highway between Waurn Ponds and Colac were “one of the region’s most significant transport infrastructure projects in a generation”.

“It will provide increased capacity, improved travel times, reliability and vehicle safety as well reduced vehicle operating costs and environmental emissions.

“It has driven a boost in investment confidence in Colac and district and will provide a very important alternate access to the Great Ocean Road, one of Australia’s most important tourism destinations.”