Ballarat's Airport runway extension is one step closer to completion, with drivers now able to access the Liberator Drive extension from the southern end of the runway, following the permanent closure to part of Airport Road.
Residents and airport users can access Liberator Drive via Link Road to the east, and Airport Road to the west of the airport.
Drivers should be alert to traffic management measures in place on the new section of the Liberator Drive extension until early March, when all associated roadworks are completed. The interim road will be upgraded as BWEZ further develops.
Once these extension upgrades are complete, Liberator Drive will provide residents and businesses with improved access between Ballarat and the Ballarat Airport, via the Ballarat West Employment Zone.
City of Ballarat Mayor Cr Tracey Hargreaves said the Liberator Drive extension will provide a safe, quality access point between the Ballarat West Employment Zone (BWEZ) and the Ballarat Airport for residents and businesses.
"The Liberator Drive extension is a vital step in bringing the Ballarat Airport Runway extension online and will ultimately unlock opportunities for existing businesses and attract new aviation businesses to our airport," she said.
"The extension of the runway is the first stage upgrade which will ultimately allow for larger commercial freight aircraft, large firefighting and emergency services aircraft and increase opportunities to attract new aviation businesses to the airport."
The Ballarat Airport runway extension - which will extend its length from 1,300 to 1,800 metres - is on track for completion in late March.
Works are being jointly funded with $3.8 million from the Australian Government via its Regional Airports Program, and the City of Ballarat.
The Liberator Drive extension is funded and delivered by Development Victoria and constructed by Winslow Constructors and will ensure the efficient movement of goods and bolster Ballarat's supply chain.
The Victorian Government announced the initial stages of BWEZ in 2015 as a $30 million joint initiative with the City of Ballarat - with the Victorian Government contributing $25 million and the City of Ballarat contributing $5 million - to support economic growth over two decades.
It will attract new businesses, create jobs and provide housing opportunities for the community through the development of Crown land. BWEZ continues to be funded and delivered by Development Victoria, with Regional Development Victoria playing an investment attraction role.
