The Federal Labor Government has agreed to provide $7.6 million towards the construction of new on and off-ramps from Halletts Way to the Western Highway at Bacchus Marsh, subject to the Victorian Government contributing the balance of the required funding.
Federal Infrastructure and Transport Minister Anthony Albanese said the project would give local residents heading to or coming from Melbourne easier, more direct access to and from the Highway.
“The additional ramps will no doubt be welcomed by the many local residents who currently have to use the increasingly congested Gisborne Road interchange,” said Mr Albanese.
“This new commitment is part of the Federal Labor’s unprecedented $604 million investment in the Western Highway, which is more than five times what the Howard Government spent on this road during their entire twelve years in office.”
Ballarat MP Catherine King said the new Halletts Way half diamond interchange would connect to the existing bridge over the Highway and help support the area’s growing population.
“A new bridge for pedestrians and cyclists would also be built, which is great
news considering the existing Hallets Way overpass doesn’t have footpaths,” said Ms King.
“Given the strong community support for this $11 million project I would urge
the Victorian Government to get on board and provided the rest of the funding that’s needed to make it a reality.”