CUT & FILL
The Victorian Government has provided $ 90.4 million for this 4.5 kilometre east-west road servicing the Armstrong Creek Urban Growth Area and surrounding suburbs . Baanip Boulevard will provide a more effective route for freight and tourist traffic heading for the Surf Coast including popular holiday destinations such as Torquay , and a more direct route for commuters heading to and from Melbourne via the Geelong Ring Road . It was named out of respect for a local Wathaurong man , Willem Baanip , who was well known to the Geelong community during the 1800s .
“ I am thrilled to be here to see the first earth moving equipment take its place on the ground and begin shaping the new road ,” Minister for Roads Terry Mulder said . “ It has been a long-awaited project for the community and it is great to see the summer months being taken advantage of . When completed , the road will have the look and feel of a traditional boulevard complete with an avenue of trees .”
Mr Katos said VicRoads had worked hard at getting this project through two planning processes and has undertaken considerable consultation with the communities in surrounding suburbs .
“ As a result , we are here today to witness the turning of the first sod of what will become a two-year project ,” South Barwon Andrew Katos said . “ Benefits including new pedestrian and cyclist paths connecting to the local network and established trees and landscaping will provide a natural , visually pleasant outlook . This will be a vital east-west link to the new Armstrong Creek Urban Growth Area and neighbouring suburbs such as Grovedale and Waurn Ponds . Developments within the Armstrong Creek area are progressing , and this 4.5km boulevard is going to be a terrific addition to the local area and improve access for new and existing communities .
“ The Coalition Government has made it clear that Baanip Boulevard will be an arterial road unlike the Labor Party , who are committed to turning the road into a freeway .”
Current work on the project includes pavement construction at Ghazeepore Road and Surf Coast Highway intersections ; casting and
134 February 2015