Waurn Ponds bridge partially opened

From left, Tim Price, Program Director, MRPV, Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews, Alison Marchant, ALP Candidate for Bellarine, Darren Cheeseman MP, Member for South Barwon, Lucas Bridgewater, Project Director, MRPV and Representatives from builders at Decmil. Photo: SUPPLIED

OFFICIALS have partially opened the Waurn Ponds Creek bridge to traffic, allowing drivers of the Greater Geelong region to make a safer journey.

The four-lane road bridge project is part of the Barwon Heads Road Upgrade duplication process, which is set to improve traffic flow in the area, while allowing for improved access to active and public transport modes for travellers.

Member for South Barwon Darren Cheeseman was thrilled to welcome state premier Daniel Andrews to the partial opening, adding that the new project would be important for the region in providing the neighbouring communities safer and more reliable travel.

“It was great to have the Premier down to see firsthand this important region-shaping project under construction,” Cheeseman said.

“The Barwon Heads Road Duplication will make a huge difference to the communities of Armstrong Creek, Barwon Heads and Ocean Grove, making their commute that much safer and more reliable.”

“The Waurn Ponds Creek is an iconic part of our local region, and I am proud that the bridge works were structured to minimize disruption to the ecology and wildlife of the creek, like the endangered Yarra Pygmy Perch.”

Once completed, the new bridge will carry four lanes of traffic and sit approximately two metres higher than the previous bridge, increasing protection from future flood events.

The Waurn Ponds Creek Bridge project as part of the Barwon Heads Road Upgrade is jointly funded by the Australian and Victorian governments.