The contract to build a 12.5km duplication of the Western Highway between Buangor and Ararat in Victoria has been awarded to a joint venture.
The joint venture between CPB Contractors and Seymour Whyte Constructions will complete the works.
Federal Minister for Infrastructure and Transport, Barnaby Joyce, said the works were part of the Australian Government’s investment of almost $500 million in duplicating the Western Highway between Ballarat and Stawell, improving driver safety and supporting local industries.
“In partnership with the Victorian Government, the overarching project will see $659.7 million invested in building a dual-lane highway between Melbourne and Adelaide. The improved highway will make travel safer for all drivers and more efficient for heavy freight vehicles,” Mr Joyce said.
Federal Member for Wannon, Dan Tehan, said construction was expected to start in March 2018 and take around two years to complete.
“This is a fantastic milestone for the project which has already seen 55km of the highway duplicated west of Ballarat,” Mr Tehan said.
Victorian Member for Western Victoria, Jaala Pulford, said the project would create a more efficient four-lane divided route.
“Construction will include a new bridge over the railway line, two new bridges over the Hopkins River, additional turning lanes, and an interchange with entry and exit ramps at Hillside Road,” Ms Pulford said.
