As a key transport route through south-western Victoria, the Princes Highway provides a strategic link for road freight, tourism, farming and regional development from Geelong to the South Australian border.
The $220 million highway duplication project involves widening and reconstruction of the existing highway for 23km to provide a safer, four-lane divided road connecting directly from the western extension of the Geelong Ring Road through to Winchelsea. Major construction through to Winchelsea started in March 2011 with works scheduled for completion in 2014.
The project is jointly funded by the Victorian and Australian governments.
$515 million has also been committed in future years to continue the highway duplication beyond Winchelsea to Colac with planning studies, site investigations and concept design works to start in 2011.
Route map:
PHW map [PDF, 560KB]
- two highway lanes each way divided by a central median
- service lanes, median breaks and protected turn lanes for safe local access
- a new bridge for Colac-bound traffic over the Geelong-Warrnambool rail line
- extensive landscaping
- improved road safety
- supports freight movement to and through the region
- provides more efficient access to ports and markets
- improves access to regional tourist destinations
- better connects communities and services
BMD Constructions is VicRoads' contractor for this project.
Roadwork speed limits will operate through active works zones for the safety of highway users and road crews. Drivers should watch for changed traffic conditions.
For information or to register your interest to receive project updates:
Phone: (03) 5274 6800
VicRoads Project Director, 444 Princes Highway, Corio, Victoria 3214
Email: princeshighwaywest@roads.vic.gov.au