The Western Highway is being progressivelly upgraded as four-lane divided highway for approximately 109km between Ballarat and Stawell.
As the principal road link between Melbourne and Adelaide, the Western Highway serves interstate trade between Victoria and South Australia and also provides for Victoria’s western district, supporting the farming, grain production and a range of manufacturing and service activities. Highway improvements will assist road safety and enhance road freight efficiency.
Planning for an initial 8km section between Ballarat and Burrumbeet has been completed with works currently out to tender. Construction is expected to start in early 2010 and be completed in 2012.
Route investigations, planning and community consultation for other sections is continuing. Construction staging and timing of future works is being considered as part of current Planning Studies, with the full cost to be confirmed once the final project scope and alignment is identified.
To date $529 million in future funding has been committed to the upgrade by the Australian and Victorian Governments.
The Western Highway upgrade is a key project identified in the Victorian Transport Plan and the Nation Building Economic Stimulus Plan.
News Release - Contract out for Highway upgrade to Burumbeet
Ballarat to Burrumbeet
Proposed works involve:
- construction of a new two lane east-bound carriageway generally on the north side of the current highway, extending for 8km from the Sunraysia Highway to east of the Burumbeet rail overpass
- conversion of the existing highway to carry two lanes of west-bound traffic
Burumbeet to Stawell
Subject to planning and route investigations future sections may involve:
- construction of a duplicated carriageway beside the existing highway, two new carriageways on a new alignment, or a combination of both
- town bypasses of Beaufort and Ararat are not included in the current proposals.
The Western Highway duplication will benefit local communities, drivers, tourism operaters, the road freight industry and its customers by providing:
- safer conditions for all road users
- improved freight efficiency
- better access for local communities
The Planning Study now underway for works beyond Burumbeet will help determine a road alignment to meet growing traffic demand. Currently more than 5,000 vehicles travel the highway west of Ballarat including 1500 trucks. This traffic is expected to double by 2025.
Community consultation is being undertaken to obtain feedback on alignment options for each stage. The study will help to:
- establish the required road reserve
- provide a benefit-cost analysis
- identify environmental, social and cultural impacts and measures to avoid, minimise or mitigate impacts
VicRoads is committed to protecting and enhancing the natural environment and considering cultural heritage through responsible planning. VicRoads will develop options for consideration for each section, undertake environmental assessments and consult with stakeholders to ensure environmental sustainability over the life of the project and into the future.
Community members, stakeholders and interested groups are encouraged to participate in the planning of the Western Highway duplication.
Beaufort to Armstrong Section Community Forums – Monday 7 and Tuesday 8 December 2009
Interested community members can learn about the project and provide feedback on issues
likely to impact on the planning process.
Representatives from VicRoads will be in attendance to provide an overview of the planning process, answer questions and record issues raised by the community.
Two separate evenings have been set aside to accommodate local communities however attendance at only one session is required as the sessions are identical.
Venue: ARARAT COMMUNITY COLLEGE
Date: Monday 7 December, 2009
Time: Commencing at 5.30pm (Concluding at 7pm)
Venue: BUANGOR COACH HOUSE
Date: Tuesday 8 December, 2009
Time: Commencing at 5.30pm (Concluding at 7pm)
Light refreshments will be served. To confirm your attendance for catering purposes at one of the meetings, for more information, or to subscribe to the project mailing list please contact VicRoads Western Highway Project Office as detailed below:
- Phone: 1300 779 642
- Email: whp@roads.vic.gov.au
- Write to: the Project Director - VicRoads Western Highway Project, PO Box 148, Wendouree, Vic 3355