April 2010: The first step was taken towards a safer, improved and fully divided Western Highway route between Ballarat and Stawell, with major construction underway on an initial stage of the $505 million upgrade near Ballarat.
Catherine with Premier John Brumby, Upper House Member for
Western Victorian Region Jaala Pulford and State Minister for Roads Tim Pallas.
Funding Program: Nation Building Program National Projects
Status: Under construction
Expected Start/Finish: April 2010 – Mid 2014
Estimated Project Cost: $505,000,000
Labor Government Contribution: $404,000,000
Project Description
The Western Highway duplication project involves the construction of a four lane, two carriageway highway along the existing Western Highway from the Sunraysia Highway at Ballarat to Stawell, approximately 110 kilometres in length.
The project will be broken up into three major sections:
• Section 1 - Ballarat to Beaufort
• Section 2 - Beaufort to Ararat
• Section 3 - Ararat to Stawell
Depending on the outcome of the continuing planning phase, these sections will be broken up into further sub-projects. The first of these to be identified are sections 1a (Ballarat to Burrumbeet) and 1b (Burrumbeet to Beaufort).
This project will continue beyond the current Nation Building Program.
Benefits
The Western Highway duplication will provide significant benefits to the local community, motorists, tourism and the freight industry including safer conditions for all road users, improved freight efficiency and improved access for local communities.
Funding
The Australian Government is contributing $404 million to start the duplication with the Victorian Government contributing $101 million.
Timetable
Planning commenced in late 2008. A contract for Section 1a - Ballarat to Burrumbeet was awarded on 15 February 2010 with construction commencing in April 2010. Planning for the overall project is continuing.
Further information
Media release