Bypass option tested

VicRoads to reveal results of fifth proposal

A LONGER route for the Midland Highway duplication to the north of Batesford is being analysed by VicRoads.

The review of an option that would see the road bypass the town via Geelong-Ballan Rd and on to a new road taking vehicles southwest back to the Midland Highway near Bakers Bridge Rd is expected to be shared later this month.

It is one of five options being assessed by VicRoads to duplicate the freight route between Ballarat and Geelong.

Batesford residents have expressed opposition to the road being duplicated through their town.

Golden Plains Shire last month revealed it supported community sentiment.

Earlier the Batesford Highway Action Group presented the fifth and longer option, dubbed the Northern Bypass, to the State Government.

VicRoads south west regional director Mark Koliba said the road authority was working with the BHAG to analyse the Northern Bypass.

“For the past year, we have been working on technical analysis and community consultation to develop a business case,” Mr Koliba said.

“We are completing a detailed analysis of a further option that involves a longer bypass route to the north of Batesford, the results of which we will share later this month.”

Golden Plains Mayor Helena Kirby said VicRoads needed to complete more community consultation.

“They haven’t done enough consultation with the farming community. It’s a bit up in the air,” Cr Kirby said.

She said connecting the highway to the Geelong Ring Road could cost three times the budget for the project.

“It would mean making bridges over the (Moorabool) river and takes in farm land,” Cr Kirby said.

Last year the BHAG said it was prepared to fight VicRoads’ proposal to run a fourlane highway through town.

There has been significant growth in Golden Plains Shire, the population of Bannockburn and surrounding districts rising 39.3 per cent between 2001 and 2006, and it is expected to be 12,260 by 2021, according to the Bannockburn Town Centre Investment Strategy.

The Federal and State governments have allocated $2 million to plan for upgrades to the Midland Highway between Shelford-Bannockburn Rd, Bannockburn and the Geelong Ring Road.

A business case is expected to be completed this year.