FCC Construction Australia and BildGroup will deliver the first part of the $318 million Barwon Heads Road Upgrade – Stage 2.
The first part of Stage 2 will involve the addition of new lanes along the 3.5km stretch between Reserve Road in Charlemont and Lake Road in Armstrong Creek.
The project will also upgrade key intersections at Warralily Boulevard, Central Boulevard and Precinct Road, install traffic lights at Newport Drive and Boundary Road, and build signalised pedestrian crossings near Build Street and the northern end of Harriot Road.
New shared walking and cycling paths and dedicated cycling lanes to improve safety and traffic flow will also be delivered as part of the upgrade.
In this year’s Federal Budget, the federal government committed an additional $68.2 million towards the project, bringing the total to $193 million. This will ensure full delivery of the project, including the next section of the upgrade between Lake Road and Lower Duneed Road.
Over the past month, crews have been undertaking utility relocations and site office works, paving the way for major construction to begin in the coming weeks.
“This important project needs to be delivered in its entirety for the Bellarine community and the many visitors who use it and the adjoining roads,” Federal Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government Catherine King said.
“Our additional commitment this year will ensure this happens and will mean the thousands of people who rely on Barwon Heads Road every day get to where they need to go sooner and safer.”
The first stage of the Barwon Road Upgrade was completed in 2023 with the project duplicating 4km of the road and 4km of new shared walking and cycling paths, along with dedicated on-road cycling lanes.
The Barwon Heads Road Upgrade – Stage 2 (Reserve Road to Lower Duneed Road) is expected to be completed in late 2028.
“The Barwon Heads Road Upgrade will cut congestion for locals that depend on these roads every day,” Federal Member for Corangamite Libby Coker said.