Stretch of tourist route upgraded

THE state government has completed works to rebuild a section of Birregurra-Forrest Road in Birregurra to deliver smoother journeys for all road users.

Minister for Roads and Road Safety Melissa Horne said crews had been working hard over the past few months to upgrade a 3.4 kilometre section of road that is a vital connection as part of Victoria’s principal tourist route.

Located between Birregurra-Deans Marsh Road and Colac-Lorne Road, the new surface has been resealed and line marking complete.

New guard railing has also been installed and drainage improvements have been made.

This project is part of the state government’s $255 million investment to upgrade the Great Ocean Road and its inland routes over five years (2021-2025).

This includes $140 million to upgrade and improve the resilience of the Great Ocean Road and another $115 million to upgrade inland routes between the Great Ocean Road and the Princes Highway.

The state goverment says these works will ensure the Great Ocean Road and its inland roads can continue to support the region’s $1.5 billion tourism industry, as well as local freight operators and communities across southwestern Victoria.

The upgrades are predicted to create more than 11,000 jobs in the tourism industry and will attract 6.6 million visitors annually.

“These works along Birregurra-Forrest Road offer a smoother, more reliable journey for the thousands of daily tourists exploring the iconic Great Ocean Road and its surrounding areas,” Ms Horne said.

“By upgrading this route to carry more heavy vehicles, we are supporting farmers and freight operators to get their goods to market more efficiently.”

Member for Western Victoria Gayle Tierney welcomed the upgrade.

“This investment will help support local communities and tourists to showcase the beauty of southwest Victoria and make sure residents and visitors alike have roads they can rely on,” she said.