First stage of Nagambie Bypass in Victoria opens. When completed, it will take almost 2000 trucks off local roads
December 2, 2011
The first section of a new bypass 138 kilometres north of Melbourne at Nagambie has opened as part of efforts to reduce truck traffic through the township.
Costing $188 million, the project on the Goulburn Valley Highway is due to be fully completed by the middle of next year.
Minister for Infrastructure and Transport Anthony Albanese says the first stage of the project, which duplicated the highway between Kirwans Bridge-Longwood and Weir Road, is a major milestone.
“Once fully completed, almost 2000 trucks will no longer be rumbling through the heart of Nagambie each and every day, a profound change which will make this town an even better place to live, work and raise a family,” he says.
“Commissioning the new bypass will also mean the entire highway through the Goulburn Valley has at last been brought up to freeway standard. This achievement will no doubt be welcomed by the region’s fruit and vegetable growers who rely on this road to get their produce to market in Melbourne as well as interstate.”
The new 17-kilometre, dual-carriageway bypass is being jointly funded by the federal and Victorian governments.
Victorian Roads Minister Terry Mulder says the bypass and upgrades to the Goulburn Valley Highway will deliver safer driving conditions.
He says there will be a reduction in the speed limit to 60km/h while the new road surface settles and minor works are completed.
“In coming weeks and as conditions allow, the 110km/h rural freeway speed limit will be signed. In the meantime, I’d urge all motorists to slow down, drive carefully and observe the temporary speed restrictions in place to protect the safety of road drivers,” Mulder says.