Two thirds of the new 4.5 kilometre road connecting Anglesea Road and Surf Coast Highway has been officially opened today.
Minister for Roads and Road Safety, Luke Donnellan, and Member for Western Victoria, Gayle Tierney, visited the $90.4 million upgrade to Baanip Boulevard today, inspecting the section between the Surf Coast Highway and Ghazeepore Road which has been completed ahead of schedule.
This leaves only a 700 metre section of road between Anglesea Road and Ghazeepore Road to be sealed before traffic is able to use the entire length of the Boulevard.
Baanip Boulevard is a two-lane, two-way arterial road, including a bridge over the Geelong-Warrnambool railway line.
The Boulevard is an important road for the developing Armstrong Creek precinct, connecting the Geelong Ring Road, Princes Freeway, and Surf Coast Highway.
New shared pedestrian and cyclist paths connecting the Boulevard to the local network are important benefits for the local community.
Extensive landscaping works have been done in the area, including a complete avenue of trees and a shared pedestrian/cyclist path which runs the length of the road.
Developments within the Armstrong Creek area are progressing, with the 4.5 kilometre Boulevard providing vital access to new and existing communities. Noise walls have also been constructed to protect the amenity of residents in existing suburbs.
The new road has been named after Willem Baanip, a local Wathaurong man well known to the Geelong community during the 1800s.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Roads and Roads Safety, Luke Donnellan
“When this upgrade is complete it will provide a more direct route for commuters travelling to and from Melbourne via the Geelong Ring Road, which is safer for drivers and means less time in the car .”
“The upgrade will also provide a more effective route for freight and tourist traffic travelling to the Surf Coast.“
Quotes attributable to Member for Western Victoria, Gayle Tierney
“This will be a vital link to the new Armstrong Creek Urban Growth Area and neighbouring suburbs such as Grovedale and Waurn Ponds.”
“The new road will have the look and feel of a traditional boulevard, complete with an avenue of trees.”
Reviewed 19 August 2020