Works Underway on Breakwater Road Bridge Project
Source: Victorian Government - http://www.premier.vic.gov.au/index.php
27 August 2010
From the Minister for Roads & Ports - Tim Pallas MP
The Brumby
Labor Government’s $63 million project to reduce flooding and remove the
height restriction on Breakwater Road in Belmont is now underway.
Roads and Ports Minister Tim Pallas was onsite today as works started on
the Breakwater Road realignment project with McConnell Dowell
Construction, who have been awarded the contract.
“We are committed to building a better transport system across Victoria
so people can spend more time with family and less time in traffic,” Mr
Pallas said.
“The 1.3 kilometre Breakwater Road Realignment will improve safety and
traffic flow, reduce travel times for motorists and help protect the
road from flooding.
“This is a major road link to Geelong carrying around 20,000 vehicles
per day. With that expected to increase to 27,000 by 2022, this project
is both timely and important.
Mr Pallas said Breakwater Road was occasionally closed due to flooding
and was not accessible for some large vehicles because of height
restrictions at the existing rail underpass.
“It’s been a dramatic month for the road with two closures due to
flooding and an over height vehicle hitting the railway bridge creating
traffic headaches for the community,” he said.
“The new road will be raised from Barwon Heads Road so the new bridge
can be built 12 metres higher, with Breakwater Road to be able to
withstand a one in 20 year flood.
“The bridge over the Barwon River and the Geelong-Warrnambool rail line
will have no height restriction and creates a better connection between
industrial areas in Belmont and Breakwater.
“The project also includes a new route to provide a more direct and
efficient connection for the main flow of traffic, moving Breakwater
Road 300 metres north of the existing road.”
Member for South Barwon Michael Crutchfield said works to widen and
install new traffic lights at Fellmongers Road and Tucker Street would
also improve safety and traffic flow.
“The Breakwater Road realignment will have dedicated bike lanes,
footpaths and connections to Belmont Common, while safety barriers along
the route will also improve safety for all road users and pedestrians,”
Mr Crutchfield said.
“Noise walls will also be installed at the Fellmongers Road and Tucker
Street intersection to reduce the traffic noise.”
Member for Geelong Ian Trezise said the project was a boost for the
future development of Geelong and would benefit commercial and
industrial areas and as well local residents.
"This realignment will ensure improved transport links, in one of
Victoria’s fastest growing areas and a primary growth corridor for urban
development in Greater Geelong,” Mr Trezise said.
The project is expected to be completed by mid 2012.