The Drysdale Bypass in Victoria, the Bellarine Peninsula’s largest road infrastructure project, is now open to traffic.
Contractors Decmil built the new bypass which stretches six kilometres from Jetty Road to the north of Whitcombes Road.
The route is expected to significantly reduce congestion through the centre of Drysdale and ensure safer, more efficient journeys on the Bellarine Peninsula.
Trucks make up more than 11 per cent of the 20,000 vehicles that drive through Drysdale each day and it is hoped the bypass will give local roads back to local drivers by diverting those trucks.
In addition, tourists are expected to benefit in the busy summer holiday season where an extra 5000 vehicles can move through Drysdale daily.
As part of the construction a new pedestrian underpass was built, this provides safer access for students, linking the town centre with the education, arts and sporting precinct on Peninsula Drive.
In the next few months some temporary lane closures and speed restrictions will be in place while the team completes drainage works, landscaping and permanent lighting. There will also be minor works on the shared path.
The Barwon Heads Road Duplication is another significant infrastructure project for the region and this is going through the planning process now.
The four kilometre duplication between Settlement Road and Reserve Road in south-east Geelong includes extra lanes to increase traffic capacity. It also includes the removal of a dangerous level crossing over the Melbourne-Warrnambool railway line at Marshall.
Minister for Transport Infrastructure Jacinta Allan said we’ve wasted no time in opening the bypass to traffic so locals can benefit straight away from the safety improvements and travel time savings.
“Investment in south east Geelong’s road infrastructure continues to be our focus, and we’re progressing planning work on the Barwon Heads Duplication to support ongoing development in this growth corridor.”
Member for Bellarine Lisa Neville said this bypass is a real win for locals, it not only delivers my election commitment but we will also see trucks gone from High Street and safer trips for drivers, cyclists and pedestrians.
“I am looking forward to seeing the benefits for locals and for motorists who travel to the Bellarine Peninsula, particularly in the busy summer months.”
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