Upgrading of the Geelong Road started in earnest today with Acting Prime Minister Peter Costello and Victorian Transport Minister Peter Batchelor joining forces to witness the start of works at Corio.
They were joined by Geelong Football Club Captain, Ben Graham who booted a footy to kick off works and signal the start of construction adjacent to the freeway near Beckley Park.
"Today is an important day for all in our community who can look forward to a high standard and safer freeway between Melbourne and Geelong in mid 2002," Mr Costello said.
"The start of this $41 million contract to widen and upgrade the freeway between Corio and Lara is the first major step in delivering this Road of National Importance Project.
"With $240 million committed for this joint FederalState improvement program, works will soon be underway along the entire length of the freeway between Corio and Laverton North.
"Leighton Contractors has secured the first of four major contracts, which will see this investment in our transport infrastructure delivering jobs and growth to the community.
"Both the Commonwealth and State governments are committed to ensuring the Project is delivered in a timely manner so that the community receives the earliest possible benefits.
"Within four months, the remaining three construction contracts along the 50 km route will be under way," Mr Costello said.
Victorias Transport Minister Peter Batchelor said that people living and working in Geelong will especially welcome this initial $41 million investment to reconstruct the six-kilometre section between the Lara interchange and Corio.
"The CorioLara upgrading incorporates two bridges that will carry freeway traffic across the Geelong rail line on new three-lane carriageways, and a new overpass and connection to Broderick Road.
"Widening and reconstruction will be undertaken on the Geelong-bound carriageway to provide three lanes, while the Melbourne-bound carriageway will be reconstructed with emergency lanes in each direction.
"Earthworks now underway will be primarily off the freeway and will not affect Geelong Road traffic, but within the next few weeks widening of the Melbourne-bound lanes will commence.
"Traffic management is a key aspect of the Project being managed by VicRoads.
Coordinated traffic plans are being implemented to ensure works can be completed in a safe manner with minimal disruption to traffic.
"Roadworks speed limits of 80km/h will operate where works are in progress and we look forward to the assistance of drivers to ensure safety for themselves, their passengers and road construction crews.
"The Corio section will carry some 40,000 vehicles per day when completed.
"Emergency phones will be located in off-road bays for greater safety and security.
"Landscaping is an important part of the Project to create a new and interesting journey for highway travellers, which will help combat the high number of fatigue-related crashes.
"I thank Acting Prime Minister Peter Costello, for the Federal Governments contribution to this important Project which will deliver safer driving conditions for all Victorians along with national economic returns from this key road freight route linking our two largest cities," Mr Batchelor said.