Road works to provide better access for drivers entering the Western Freeway at Bacchus Marsh is underway, with construction starting on new access ramps.
Federal Minister for Infrastructure and Transport Darren Chester said the project would support traffic growth around Bacchus Marsh and support commuters travelling between Melbourne and Ballarat.
“The project will improve the safety for people traveling between Bacchus Marsh and Darley, and a new bridge will be constructed for pedestrians and cyclists that will sit alongside the existing bridge,” Mr Chester said.
“The Australian Government is committed to investing in regional infrastructure projects to deliver a safer, more efficient transport network.”
Victorian Minister for Roads and Road Safety Luke Donnellan said the upgrade would provide drivers using Halletts Way with another alternative to going through Bacchus Marsh to get to the freeway.
“We’re getting on with this critical project which will vastly improve traffic flow and reduce congestion, helping people spend less time stuck in traffic,” Mr Donnellan said.
“We have listened to the people of Bacchus Marsh and I am proud to say that local residents, councils and businesses have contributed directly to the design of this upgrade.”
New east-facing freeway ramps will be constructed, allowing drivers to enter the freeway north of the Halletts Way Bridge, and exit the freeway south of the bridge.
A noise wall will be built along the edge of the southern freeway ramp and traffic lights will be installed at the intersections of the two freeway ramps and Halletts Way.
The Australian Government has contributed $12.16 million and the Victorian Government $3.04 million to the project. Construction is expected to be completed by late 2018.
Reviewed 19 August 2020