Significant safety works have started at one of south west Victoria's most important intersections, as part of continued upgrades to the highway between Panmure and Warrnambool.
Upgrades to the intersection of the Princes Highway West and the Great Ocean Road at Allansford have begun as part of the Andrews Labor Government's investment to keep the highway safe for motorists.
The safety improvements will involve widening and resurfacing the road, while shoulders will also be widened in the eastbound and westbound lanes of Princes Hwy West to reduce the risk of run-off-road collisions.
A left-hand side barrier will also be installed to prevent vehicles from running off the road and a centreline barrier will also be installed to prevent head-on crashes.
Crews will also be busy continuing work on the Princes Hwy West, between Swans Lane and Brucknell Creek, with widening and sealing road shoulders, upgrading the existing outbound overtaking lane, applying rumble strips, and installing safety barriers.
Work will occur Monday to Friday from 7:00am to 7:00pm, weather permitting. Some weekend work may occur.
This work is all part of a larger scale safety project to the Princes Highway, between Panmure and Warrnambool - that has already seen upgrades completed at Naringal-Panmure Road, Chisletts Road and Swans Lane intersections.
These intersection works included laying asphalt to improve the lifespan of the road and reduce the need for future maintenance works. A new inbound overtaking lane between Panmure and Allansford has also been installed on the Princes Highway West.
In the five years between 2012 and 2017, 12 people suffered serious injuries and tragically two people lost their lives on this stretch of road.
Across the state, the Labor Government is investing $1.4 billion into road safety infrastructure, to reduce road trauma and save lives.
To keep track of this project or check out what other works are underway or planned in your area visit regionalroads.vic.gov.au.
As stated by Minister for Roads and Road Safety Ben Carroll
"We know this is a vital junction along one of our state's busiest roads, so we are making it safer for all motorists with upgrade works underway."
"By upgrading roads in the south west, we are not only benefiting locals, but freight drivers and tourists who pass through the region regularly."
As stated by Member for Western Victoria Gayle Tierney
"More than 2,200 vehicles use the Princes Highway and Great Ocean Road intersection each day, which is why we are working towards providing a safer journey for all motorists along this high-risk road."
