Works on the Western Highway duplication between Ballarat and Stawell are set to start early next year, with the first contract for an 8km section through to Burrumbeet now out to tender.

"The Rudd Labor Government has committed $404 million towards this important project, which will help improve safety and reduce travel time," Ms King said.

"We are working in partnership with the Brumby Labor Government to deliver this important upgrade. Over coming years the Western Highway will be progressively upgraded along its full 109km length through to Stawell.

"This is what the Rudd Labor Government's Nation Building for Recovery Strategy is all about - creating jobs today while building the infrastructure we need for tomorrow."

Under the current plans, construction will be largely on the northern side of the highway, creating a new two-lane carriageway for Ballarat-bound traffic, with the existing highway converted to carry two lanes of west-bound traffic.

"This new divided highway will continue from the western end of the Ballarat Bypass at the Sunraysia Highway, to just east of the Burrumbeet rail overpass," said Ms King.

Member for Ripon Joe Helper said the Western Highway upgrade was identified as a key regional link in the Brumby Government's Victorian Transport Plan.

"Each day more than 5,000 vehicles, including 1,500 trucks, travel this route and road freight through western Victoria is expected to double by 2025," he said.

"We are taking action now to improve this link because we recognise the important role our roads play in linking communities across regional Victoria."

Member for Ballarat West, Karen Overington, said that planning and route investigations for these future sections were continuing, with works' staging and timing to be identified as part of this process.

"The Western Highway duplication to Burrumbeet comes on top of major route improvements such as the completion of the Deer Park Bypass and the realignment at Anthony's Cutting, which will start early next year" Ms Overington said.

Works on this section are scheduled to commence early 2010 with the first section, between Ballarat to Burrumbeet completed in early 2012.

People wanting to provide feedback on project proposals or wanting to register to receive project updates and news can do so by calling VicRoads on 1300 779 642 or via email at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .