According to Darren Cheeseman, the Princes Highway duplication, funded with a $367 million Federal Government contribution, is right on schedule, with the section from Waurn Ponds to Winchelsea on track to be complete by 2014.

Local Federal MP Darren Cheeseman said, the first 3 kilometres, which is the transition from the Geelong Ring Road onto the Princes Highway near Pettavel, is now well underway with civil works and grading work undertaken and asphalting the next step.

“I am really happy with how things are going and that we are keeping to the schedule, especially since we have had a few wet patches this year,” Darren Cheeseman said. “The work coming off the Ring Road onto the first bit of the Princes Highway is flying.”

“Further towards Winchelsea there is also work being undertaken to move fencing and services to the next section of construction to take place, and more surveying and soil testing work happening again further along the road.”

“I have spoken to Vicroads about the importance of planning to make sure there is as little disruption to commuters as possible during the highway duplication construction. However, I would suggest commuters add 10 minutes on their travel times to allow for slower driving speeds in construction areas.

“We are also talking with Vicroads to ensure there is a seamless transition once the work is completed to Winchelsea, so that we keep going right through to Colac with any stop to the work.”

The completion of this project will mean a big improvement in commuter safety and comfort for people living in Birregurra and other nearby local towns, and will be a big boost for jobs in transport and other industry development in the region.