By Sumeyya Ilanbey
It was a project decades in the asking, first brought to the attention of state and federal governments 15 years ago.
Moorabool council, local MP Don Nardella and Bacchus Marsh residents lobbied for another access point onto the Western Freeway from the booming town.
And last Thursday, construction on the entry and exit ramps from Halletts Way, including a pedestrian overpass, was completed three months ahead of schedule.
It took 523 people, working 51,016 hours, to deliver this mammoth project designed to slash traffic congestion and remove trucks, from the town centre.
The federal government pitched in $12.16 million and the state $3.04 million more than two years ago to deliver the ramps and pedestrian overpass.
Moorabool mayor Paul Tatchell said the upgrades were “incredibly” important for the Bacchus Marsh community, who have been competing with trucks for the town’s roads.
“This is the foundation of how we try and manage the traffic around Bacchus Marsh,” Cr Tatchell said.
“Now we need to find a solution to get the big trucks out of town and get a proper bypass through Bacchus Marsh to [ensure] safety … and get a clearer understanding of how we’re going to design a town around traffic movements.”
Victoria’s Roads Minister Luke Donnellan said he hoped the project would bring some relief to drivers looking for a “sane and sensible” way to get around town without trucks.
“Not only are we improving traffic flow and reducing congestion in the heart of Bacchus Marsh, we’re giving people more options to get around safely – whether it’s by car, bike or foot.”
Liberal senator Jane Hume described the project as a win for drivers in the region who will spend less time stuck in traffic.
There were about 50,000 square metres of concrete used in the construction of the new ramps that are about 400 metres long.
The 70-metre pedestrian overpass consists of four super-tee beams, about 35 metres high and weigh about 54 tonnes.
