Barwon Heads Road duplicated between Marshall and Armstrong Creek under Coalition promise

The congestion-busting second stage of the Barwon Heads Rd duplication would be fully-funded under a state Coalition pledge. Read about the plans.

A second section of the Barwon Heads Road would be duplicated via a $125 million promise from the Coalition if it wins government at the election next month.

Construction of the six-kilometre duplication between Reserve Rd, Marshall and Lower Duneed Rd, Armstrong Creek would begin in 2024, after the first stage of the Barwon Heads Rd duplication is completed late next year.

Shadow transport infrastructure minister Matt Bach said the Coalition’s regional infrastructure guarantee would stipulate 25 per cent of all new state government capital investment was spent on infrastructure projects in regional Victoria.

“This road is critically important for all locals, and it is important for us to invest in this area which is experiencing significant population growth,” Mr Bach said.

Liberals pledge $125m for second stage of the Barwon Heads Rd duplication Opposition leader Matthew Guy (middle) with Liberal candidate for South Barwon Andrew Katos and Liberal candidate for Bellarine Donnie Grigau. Picture: Mike Dugdale

The second stage of the duplication, expected to cost $250m, would be funded under a 50-50 split between the state Coalition and the Commonwealth government, following a $125m commitment from federal Labor last year.

State Labor, is yet to commit funding to the second stage of Barwon Heads Rd duplication but has allocated $73m to the first stage on top of $292m from the former federal Coalition government.

The four-kilometre stage 1 duplication of Barwon Heads Rd between Settlement Rd, Belmont and Reserve Rd, Marshall will cost $365m.

Its price tag involved raising part of the road to mitigate flooding, building a bridge over the railway line at Marshall and intersection upgrades at Settlement Rd and Breakwater Rd.

Liberal candidate for South Barwon, Andrew Katos, said the duplicated road would offer better connections for families who are faced increased travel times and congestion.

“Investing in this important project will mean a quicker and safer commute for families in Armstrong Creek, Grovedale and Marshall,” Mr Katos said.

“These communities are growing fast and if we don’t invest for that growth now, they will be left behind.

“I am proud to be part of Matt Guy’s team that will deliver this important piece of local infrastructure to ensure that regional areas get their fair share of infrastructure spend.”

Liberal candidate for Bellarine, Donnie Grigau, said the upgrade would benefit residents on the Bellarine Peninsula.

“The second stage of the Barwon Heads Road duplication will make driving through the Armstrong Creek growth corridor easier and ultimately provide quicker travel times between Geelong and Barwon Heads for families and tourists.”

About 44,000 daily trips are expected on the road by 2031. The Coalition’s commitment to the Barwon Heads Road duplication is its biggest in the region so during the election campaign. The Victorian election will be held on November 26.

Originally published as Barwon Heads Road duplicated between Marshall and Armstrong Creek under Coalition promise