The Federal Government will commit $60 million in funding to upgrade the Princes Highway between Warrnambool and Port Fairy, one of the busiest regionals sections of the highway.
Regional Roads Victoria has also received a grant of $455000 towards improvements of Wangoom Road, part of a major cycling route.
Another project to rebuild and seal Wiggs Lane, near Bushfield, has received a $500000 grant from the Victorian Government.
The improvements to Princes Highway will include more passing lanes and increased safety measures.
“Council has been advocating over a number of years for improvements to be made to the Princes Highway between Colac and the South Australian border,” Warrnambool Mayor Cr. Tony Herbert said.
“The new funding recognises that safety improvements are required and also that the Princes Highway is a vital piece of infrastructure on which our economy is very dependant, particularly our dairy industry,” Cr. Herbert said.
The funding for improvements of Wangoom Road will be made available through the Fixing Country Roads program.
Upgrades will include widening of the road pavement and sealing the road shoulders as well as bike lanes between Horne and Aberline Roads.
The intersection of Aberline Road and Wiggs Lane will get new turning lanes and street lighting to improve safety and access.
“This will be a really important safety upgrade and we acknowledge the support of Regional Roads Victoria,” Cr. Herbert said.
“We received feedback through our cycling reference group that Wangoom Road needed attention in order to make it safer for cyclists and motorists. It’s used by a growing number of cyclists for training and for fun rides,” he said.
The Port of Warrnambool boat ramp has also received funding from the Victorian Government for safety upgrades.
The city council will prepare a business case, detailed design, plan and approvals for the boat ramp upgrade.
“The detailed final design will place us in a better position to obtain further funding for the capital works,” Cr. Herbert said.
“We thank the Victorian Government for its support. We know people have waited a long time for this project to be realised but we are getting there,” he said.
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