$250m second stage of Barwon Heads Rd duplication shortened by 2km
The second stage of a project that was originally supposed to see 6km of Barwon Heads Rd duplicated has had its scope reduced – but the $250m cost is set to remain unchanged.
Geelong
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The state government has wound back the second stage of its commitment to duplicate Barwon Heads Rd, with 2km of road originally earmarked for expansion now cut from the plans.
The $250m project, jointly funded by the state and federal governments, was expected to deliver the duplication of an increasingly busy stretch of road between Reserve Rd and Lower Duneed Rd.
However, the state’s Big Build website now says the duplication will end at Lake Rd, rather than Lower Duneed Rd.
The government claims community feedback played a key role in “refining the scope” of the project, but maintains it will still cut congestion and improve traffic flow on a stretch that is expected to carry up to 35,000 cars daily by 2036.
Major construction work is expected to begin later this year and be completed by the end of 2027.
“Further detailed traffic modelling indicated that upgrading the 3.5km of Barwon Heads Rd between Reserve Rd and Lake Rd will still continue to meet demand for over the next decade, while reducing the amount of land needed to be acquired to make way for the new lanes,” a government spokesman said.
South Barwon MP Darren Cheeseman, whose electorate takes in the site, had not communicated the change with the local community.
Mr Cheeseman spruiked the project regularly when he sat on the government benches as a Labor MP, but since May he has not had a website or posted on social media.
Calls to his office on Wednesday went unanswered.
Corangamite MP Libby Coker confirmed the federal government’s $125m remained on the table.
“We are working with the Victorian government to ensure the full scope of the project will be delivered from Reserve Rd to Lower Mount Duneed Rd,” she said.
Her Liberal opponent in the crucial seat, Darcy Dunstan, said the decision to reduce the duplication was disappointing not only for Armstrong Creek residents, but the broader region.
“This is another reckless move from a government with no understanding of the impact of its decisions not to honour its election commitment,” he said.
According to the state government, the refined scope of stage two was communicated via multiple mediums late last year.
Other aspects of the stage two works include upgraded intersections at Warralily Blvd, Central Blvd and Precinct Rd, as well as new traffic lights at Newport Drive and Boundary Rd
The $365m first stage of the upgrade, completed ahead of schedule in 2023, saw duplication occur between Settlement and Reserve roads.
It also included a rail overpass at Marshall, intersection upgrades, new traffic lights, road upgrades, and the duplication of 4km of road.
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Originally published as $250m second stage of Barwon Heads Rd duplication shortened by 2km
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