Travelling to Bells Beach will soon be a lot smoother and safer for drivers and cyclists with significant upgrade works underway to improve Bells Boulevarde at Jan Juc.
Minister for Roads, Road Safety and the TAC Jaala Pulford visited the worksite today to get a firsthand look at how this upgrade would deliver benefits not only for the local Surf Coast community, but the thousands of visitors to the region every year.
About 2.2 kilometres of Bells Boulevarde, between the Great Ocean Road and Bones Road intersections, will undergo a full pavement rebuild to improve its strength, durability and longevity.
This popular coastal route carries about 1600 vehicles each day, with volumes increasing over summer and in the lead up to the world-famous Rip Curl Pro surfing competition in April.
It is also a popular cycling corridor, which forms part of the route for the annual Cadel Evans Great Ocean Road Race.
Drainage works are currently underway, while shoulder widening, and initial pavement works will kick off next month.
Works will pause over the Christmas and New Year period to limit disruption, with major road reconstruction to commence in the new year.
Works will take place Monday to Friday, between 7am to 5.30pm and are expected to be completed by the end of March, weather permitting.
Locals are advised that speed and lane restrictions may be in place at different times to keep drivers and workers safe.
This upgrade is one of the thousands of maintenance jobs across the state that Regional Roads Victoria (RRV) will be delivering this financial year. This is thanks to a $425 million investment by the Andrews Labor Government, $90 million of which will go to the South West.
During the 2019/20 maintenance season, crews will rebuild, repair and resurface around 1500 kilometres of the regional road network throughout Victoria – supporting around 1100 construction jobs in regional Victoria.
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, Road Safety and the TAC Jaala Pulford
“Bells Boulevarde is an important connection for the local community as well as thousands of visitors who flock to Bells Beach each year – and these works will ensure it is smoother, stronger and safer for everyone.”
As stated by Member for South Barwon Darren Cheeseman
“Our massive maintenance blitz is improving the roads that our communities rely on, just like Bells Boulevarde.”