The Department of Transport and Planning (DTP) has announced its preferred road alignment for the proposed Bacchus Marsh Eastern Link Road.
Work on the Bacchus Marsh Eastern Link Road planning study started in May 2017. The road, if built, would divert heavy vehicles and through-traffic from the centre of town to ease congestion and improve safety.
Option B Alternative, which is about 11 kilometres in length, begins at an upgraded Gisborne Road/Diggers Rest-Coimadai Road intersection and would intersect with the Western Freeway at a new central interchange, approximately midway between the Gisborne Road interchange and Bacchus Marsh Road.
DTP regional director for the Grampians Region Simon Grant said the decision was based upon a series of major technical investigations and community consultation.
“We’ve completed a $3 million planning study to identify a preferred eastern link road alignment in Bacchus Marsh that will improve traffic flow and safety,” he said.
“We’ll now seek direction on what planning pathway is required going forward.”
The DTP said the route was chosen as it meets the project’s objectives to divert heavy vehicles and through traffic away from the Bacchus Marsh town centre, improve efficiency and safety, reduce congestion and provide a direct connection to the Western Freeway for freight transportation between the Port of Geelong, Ballarat, Adelaide and the Calder Freeway.
Star Weekly reported earlier in August that Moorabool council had expressed frustration that the government was due to announce a preferred option in early 2023.
Moorabool mayor Rod War said on Monday, August 21 council was notified of the preferred route via a letter addressed to affected landowners and nearby properties.
“Council will review the information released by DTP to gain a full understanding of the implications, including community impacts, traffic congestion and future development outcomes,” he said.
Mr Grant said that talks with relevant parties will continue as the planning process for the road progresses.
“We’ll continue to consult with key stakeholders to ensure this aligns with other significant projects planned for Bacchus Marsh,” he said.
A total of 55 private landowners would be impacted by the Option B Alternative route. No landowners will lose their homes.
There are currently no plans for construction of a Bacchus Marsh Eastern Link Road.
Details: regionalroads.vic.gov.au/map/grampians-improvements/bacchus-marsh-eastern-link-road-planning-study
