Safer and more-reliable travel is on the way for drivers, cyclists and walkers with work set to begin on the Barwon Heads Road Upgrade – Stage 2.

The $250 million project, which includes funding contributions of $125 million each from the Australian and Victorian Governments, will add extra lanes, upgrade intersections, and build shared walking and cycling paths between Charlemont and Armstrong Creek.

The upgrade will help Barwon Heads Road cater for up to 35,000 daily journeys by 2036.

Early works will begin in early 2025, with major construction expected to begin from late 2025.

Planning work, investigations and community feedback helped develop a detailed concept for Stage 2 to upgrade Barwon Heads Road for 4km between Reserve Road, Charlemont, and Lake Road, Armstrong Creek.

Stage 2 will extend the benefits of the Barwon Heads Road Upgrade – Stage 1 to improve travel safety, reliability and connectivity for all the road’s users.

Completed six months ahead of schedule in mid-2023, the first stage built new lanes between Settlement Road, Belmont, and Reserve Road, Charlemont.

The first stage also built a bridge over the rail line at Marshall, upgraded key intersections, added new traffic lights, and created 4km of shared paths with street lighting and landscaping.

More information on both stages of the Barwon Heads Road Upgrade is available at bigbuild.vic.gov.au/barwonheadsrd.

Quote attributable to Minister for Transport Infrastructure Danny Pearson

“We’re ready to get to work on delivering Stage 2 of the Barwon Heads Road Upgrade, which will deliver safer and more-reliable journeys between Charlemont and Armstrong Creek.”

Quote attributable to Member for Western Victoria Gayle Tierney

“The first stage of the upgrade was a game-changer for everyone who uses the road, and Stage 2 will extend the benefits of safer, more-reliable travel and improved connectivity for the local community and visitors alike.”

Quote attributable to Member for Bellarine Alison Marchant

“We are commencing works on the second stage of the Barwon Heads Road Upgrade to improve connectivity and safety for all road users.”

Quote attributable to Federal Member for Corangamite Libby Coker

“Safer, quicker commutes are what people in our rapidly growing region are calling for, so I’m pleased Stage 2 is about to get underway – the upgrades are going to make people’s lives easier.”