VicRoads’ plans for the Western Highway upgrade between Ballarat and Beaufort are up for viewing
January 31, 2011
VicRoads’ plans for the Western Highway upgrade between Ballarat and Beaufort are up for viewing.
The Victorian Government is holding a public exhibition from next week at local shire offices and community venues of the preferred alignment, following public consultation over the past 18 months.
VicRoads Project Director Ewen Nevett says the exhibition details the proposed alignment to continue the four-lane divided highway for 26km through to the outskirts of Beaufort.
“It will also secure a planning reservation for the eventual upgrade of the Western Highway to full freeway conditions between Ballarat and Beaufort,” Nevett says.
“The new divided road includes an interchange at Remembrance Drive near Burrumbeet, and a bypass to the south of the Trawalla township which will greatly improve safety around the school and the local area.”
He says it is important to now plan for the eventual upgrade to full freeway conditions, which would include additional interchanges and service roads to maintain local road and property access.
“A full freeway is a long way off but planning now means we do not need to come back and start all over again.
“Highway works between the Ballarat Bypass and Burrumbeet are on track for completion in early 2012 when the new Ballarat-bound lanes will be open to traffic.
“Planning is also continuing for the Western Highway upgrade beyond Beaufort with Environment Effects Statements to be prepared for the next stages between Beaufort and Ararat and Ararat and Stawell,” he says.
The exhibition is open for a month and documents can be viewed here.