Another major component of the Geelong Ring Road – the Anglesea Road Interchange – has been built and is now open to traffic, with the entire project on track to be completed by the middle of next year.
Federal Infrastructure and Transport Minister Anthony Albanese welcomed the progress that’s been made to date and on the work which is continuing on laying the new five kilometre road linking the Interchange with the Princes Highway near Draytons Road.
“The Ring Road means the 14,000 motorists that use it every day can drive all the way from Melbourne to the Surf Coast without encountering a single traffic light,” said Mr Albanese.
“The Ring Road project, together with the duplication of the Princes Highway to Colac, is part of Federal Labor’s record capital works program which is improving safety, easing congestion and helping to keep Victoria moving.
“Unlike our predecessors, we recognise the task of renewing and expanding the State’s road and rail infrastructure requires a genuine partnership between all levels of government.  That’s why we’ve more than doubled annual Federal investment from $89 to $201 per Victorian.”
Known as the Geelong Ring Road Section 4B, the new Anglesea Road Interchange and Princes Highway link road are being jointly funded by the Federal ($45 million) and Victorian ($65 million) governments.
Victorian Public Transport and Roads Minister Terry Mulder said with the opening of the Anglesea Road Interchange motorists and truck drivers will no longer have to stop at the Geelong-Warrnambool rail crossing on Anglesea Road.
“The new Interchange includes two roundabouts, access ramps and two bridges – one over the railway line and the other over the freeway,” said Mr Mulder.
“I’m pleased that motorists can now enjoy this part of the project, which will improve safety and reduce journey times.  But as the project enters the home straight motorists will notice changed traffic conditions, so I’d urge them to slowdown and observe the temporary speed and lane restrictions.”
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