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Nagambie Bypass: northern section opens to traffic

Wednesday, 30 November 2011

Almost two years to the day since the start of work, the first section of the new Nagambie Bypass has today opened to traffic, with the entire $188 million project on track to be completed by the middle of next year (2012).

Federal Infrastructure and Transport Minister Anthony Albanese said the completion of Stage One – duplication of the existing Goulburn Valley Highway between Kirwans Bridge-Longwood and Weir Roads – is a major milestone in the delivery of this new piece of road infrastructure.

"The progress that's been made in the last two years vindicates our decision to bring forward funding in our recession-busting, job-creating Economic Stimulus Plan and begin construction of the bypass earlier than originally planned," said Mr Albanese.

"Once fully completed, almost 2,000 trucks will no longer be rumbling through the heart of Nagambie each and every day, a profound change which will make this town an even better place to live, work and raise a family."

"Commissioning of the new bypass will also mean the entire Highway through the Goulburn Valley has at last been brought up to 'freeway' standard. This achievement will no doubt be welcomed by to the region's fruit and vegetable growers who rely on this road to get their produce to market in Melbourne as well as interstate."

The new 17 kilometre, dual-carriageway Nagambie Bypass is being built with funding from both the Federal ($151 million) and Victorian ($38 million) governments

Victorian Roads Minister Terry Mulder said initiatives such as the Nagambie Bypass and the associated Goulburn Valley Highway improvements will deliver safer driving conditions along a section of road which has seen at least 18 casualty crashes including four fatalities in recent years.

"Importantly these road network improvements through the Goulburn Valley will support regional jobs and growth especially for our fruit growing, dairy and tourism industries," said Mr Mulder.

"With traffic now switched onto the new lanes north of Nagambie, a temporary 60 km/h speed limit will apply while the new road surface settles, and some minor works are completed.

"In coming weeks and as conditions allow, the 110 km/h rural freeway speed limit will be signed. In the meantime, I'd urge all motorists to slow down, drive carefully and observe the temporary speed restrictions in place to protect the safety of road workers."

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