Upgrading of the Geelong Road started in earnest today with Acting Prime Minister Peter

Costello and Victorian Transport Minister Peter Batchelor joining forces to witness the

start of works at Corio.

They were joined by Geelong Football Club Captain, Ben Graham who booted a footy to

‘kick off’ works and signal the start of construction adjacent to the freeway

near Beckley Park.

“Today is an important day for all in our community who can look forward to a high

standard and safer freeway between Melbourne and Geelong in mid 2002,” Mr Costello

said.

“The start of this $41 million contract to widen and upgrade the freeway between

Corio and Lara is the first major step in delivering this Road of National Importance

Project.

“With $240 million committed for this joint Federal–State improvement

program, works will soon be underway along the entire length of the freeway between Corio

and Laverton North.

“Leighton Contractors has secured the first of four major contracts, which will

see this investment in our transport infrastructure delivering jobs and growth to the

community.

“Both the Commonwealth and State governments are committed to ensuring the Project

is delivered in a timely manner so that the community receives the earliest possible

benefits.

“Within four months, the remaining three construction contracts along the 50 km

route will be under way,” Mr Costello said.

Victoria’s Transport Minister Peter Batchelor said that people living and working

in Geelong will especially welcome this initial $41 million investment to reconstruct

the six-kilometre section between the Lara interchange and Corio.

“The Corio–Lara upgrading incorporates two bridges that will carry freeway

traffic across the Geelong rail line on new three-lane carriageways, and a new overpass

and connection to Broderick Road.

“Widening and reconstruction will be undertaken on the Geelong-bound carriageway

to provide three lanes, while the Melbourne-bound carriageway will be reconstructed with

emergency lanes in each direction.

“Earthworks now underway will be primarily off the freeway and will not affect

Geelong Road traffic, but within the next few weeks widening of the Melbourne-bound lanes

will commence.

“Traffic management is a key aspect of the Project being managed by VicRoads.

Coordinated traffic plans are being implemented to ensure works can be completed in a

safe manner with minimal disruption to traffic.

“Roadworks speed limits of 80km/h will operate where works are in progress and we

look forward to the assistance of drivers to ensure safety for themselves, their

passengers and road construction crews.

“The Corio section will carry some 40,000 vehicles per day when completed.

“Emergency phones will be located in off-road bays for greater safety and

security.

“Landscaping is an important part of the Project to create a new and interesting

journey for highway travellers, which will help combat the high number of fatigue-related

crashes.

“I thank Acting Prime Minister Peter Costello, for the Federal Government’s

contribution to this important Project which will deliver safer driving conditions for all

Victorians along with national economic returns from this key road freight route linking

our two largest cities,” Mr Batchelor said.

26 April 2000

Media Contacts:

Mr Batchelor’s Office Paul Conroy 03 9651 1119

Mr Costello’s Office Niki Savva 02 6277 7340

VicRoads Kevin Fox 0408 304 363