Community consultation sessions on proposed improvements to three major projects were held last week Victoria's Winchelsea
September 12, 2011
Community consultation sessions on proposed improvements to three major projects were held last week Victoria’s Winchelsea.
Minister for Roads Terry Mulder has welcomed VicRoads’ consultation process, saying it covered proposed improvements to the Hesse St intersection, the Barwon River bluestone bridge and an update on the duplication of the Princes Highway.
“The Coalition Government has committed over $365 million for these vital road projects,” Mulder says.
“As a key transport route through south-western Victoria, the Princes Highway is a strategic link for road freight, tourism, farming and regional development from Geelong to the South Australian border.
“There is a lot of investment into roads in and around Winchelsea which is why an information session is important for residents to understand what is being planned.”
The road infrastructure projects are set to boost investment in the region, attract new business and encourage new residents to the town due to its proximity to Geelong and Colac.
Projects include the Princes Highway duplication from Waurn Ponds to Winchelsea, which commenced earlier this year.
The highway will also be duplicated from Winchelsea to Colac, with preliminary planning having commenced. The Barwon River bluestone bridge will also be upgraded.
Mulder says he is pleased that VicRoads is listening to residents to determine what is needed to enhance and improve road safety within the local community.
“These sessions aim to hear the communities’ views and ideas about the Barwon River bridge and Hesse Street intersection projects and provide an opportunity to update residents about the duplication from Waurn ponds to Winchelsea,” Mulder says.
“The sessions (have) also touched on the duplication from Winchelsea to Colac. As this project is only in the initial planning stages, further information sessions for Colac and Winchelsea residents will be held once the road designs have been completed next year.”
