As announced in Ararat Rural City Council's 2024-25 Budget, $2.143 million has been allocated for the reconstruction of an initial two-kilometre section of Buangor-Ben Nevis Road, commencing at the Western Highway end.
The road is a vital thoroughfare between the Pyrenees Highway and Western Highway, and is a significant route for freight vehicles as well as local and tourist traffic. These renewal and upgrade improvements to the road will allow for a reduction in the number of large capacity vehicles travelling through Ararat, in turn alleviating the impact on local roads and substantially increasing transport efficiency.
Buangor-Ben Nevis Road is also the main route for accessing the townships of Buangor, Bayindeen, Warrak and Mount Cole Creek. These reconstruction works will deliver improved connectivity and an enhanced driving experience to our local community, reducing travel times and driver fatigue.
The project looks to replace the narrow sections of road within the first two kilometres, with works including the excavation and removal of the existing degraded road seal and pavement, new road base course layers, drainage works, sealing, line marking and associated safety signage.
The project is jointly funded by the Federal Government's Local Roads and Community Infrastructure funding. which awarded Ararat Rural City Council $843,000, and Council's own contribution of $1.3 million.
"Buangor-Ben Nevis Road is a critical link for our municipality, supporting both local communities and vital freight transport," says Ararat Rural City Council CEO Dr Tim Harrison. "By investing in its reconstruction, we're not just improving road conditions; we're enhancing safety, efficiency, and the overall quality of life for our residents."
