Long-awaited plans to improve traffic woes in Bacchus Marsh will go on show this week.
VicRoads will display maps and models of works proposed for Halletts Way at two public information sessions.
The revised plans, including upgrades to Woolpack and Hopetoun Park roads and an exit ramp from the Western Freeway to Bacchus Marsh Road, were announced by Roads Minister Terry Mulder in March following years of controversy and debate. Previous plans for a truck bypass were rejected by Planning Minister Matthew Guy in 2012 after a vocal campaign by the Avenue of Honour Preservation Group.
The plans would have required removal of eight elm trees on the Avenue of Honour.
VicRoads project director Trevor Boyd said he hoped the community would support the new plans, given the breadth of works and benefits they will deliver. “The package of works will improve traffic flow and road safety in Bacchus Marsh while maintaining the integrity of the Avenue of Honour.
“The session is an opportunity for community members to … speak one-on-one with project staff involved in planning the works.”
Honour for All, a group pushing for a second Avenue of Honour, has welcomed the works, but said more changes were needed.
“The Halletts Way ramps will assist with the traffic situation at the Gisborne Road exit, but it won’t have much effect on the centre of town,” spokesman Malcolm Trask said.
The group also wants more north-south crossings in the town.
Moorabool mayor Paul Tatchell said the revised plans looked promising.
The meetings are at the Lerderderg library from 3-5pm on Friday and 11am-1pm on Saturday.
