Western Highway will be duplicated between Ballarat and Stawell after land between Beaufort and Ararat was approved for upgrading
November 8, 2013
The Western Highway in Victoria will be duplicated between Ballarat and Stawell after land between Beaufort and Ararat was approved for upgrading.
A 15.5km dual carriageway between Beaufort and Buangor will be constructed, with the duplication between Buangor and Stawell to be funded later.
Roads Minister Terry Mulder says the land approval is an important milestone for the project.
“This is great news for local farmers, grain producers and manufacturers who will be able to reap the economic benefits of a more efficient freight network, as well as local businesses who will see increased regional tourism,” Mulder says.
“The highway will also become a much safer route for motorists and will result in fewer accidents and injuries.
“About a third of traffic on the Western Highway is made up of heavy vehicles so moving to dual carriageway will prevent traffic from queuing and will reduce risks to motorists when overtaking.”
The Beaufort to Ararat section of the Western Highway duplication is the second stage of a three-stage project to upgrade 110km of the highway between Ballarat and Stawell.
The first section of the project between Ballarat and Beaufort is underway with construction scheduled for completion next year.