Great Ocean Rd flooding works start

A SECTION of the Great Ocean Rd at Anglesea suffering from flooding and heavy use will be the next to be upgraded as part of $50 million maintenance works.
Work will soon begin on the one kilometre stretch, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Infrastructure and Regional Development Warren Truss confirmed today.
He said $50 million from the Victorian and Commonwealth Governments for the Great Ocean Road upgrade would ensure the iconic infrastructure was well maintained.
“The Great Ocean Road is one of the most visited tourist attractions in Australia and up to 22,000 vehicles can pass through Anglesea in peak holiday season,” Mr Truss said.
“This section of road between the Anglesea River bridge and the intersection at Tonge Street is in poor condition with constant heavy traffic travelling through Anglesea as one of the first key towns along the Great Ocean Road.
“The Anglesea community and tourists will reap the benefits from these works which will improve the road and eliminate potholes and rough areas.”
Federal Member for Corangamite Sarah Henderson said the proximity of the road to the Anglesea River resulted in intermittent flooding which further deteriorated the road surface.
“These works will address the flooding which occurs on the road which is such a vital route for locals and tourists alike,” said Ms Henderson.
“Traders have regularly raised the flooding and poor road condition as an issue, which has the potential to close the road and cause delays.
“This project will also greatly improve road safety along this section, especially for tourists who may be unfamiliar with local road conditions.”
The works were expected to be completed by the end of the year with the overall project scheduled for completion in mid-2018.