Coalition road commitment

A Federal Government election promise has committed to a municipal proposal to widen and upgrade a heavy vehicle route south of the Grampians.

An Ararat Rural City Council plan to upgrade Mount William Road freight route that services a bulk grain storage facility has attracted a $4-million re-elected Coalition government commitment.

Ararat mayor Jo Armstrong said she welcomed the commitment and emphasised the upgrade’s importance to revitalise a primary ‘product-to-market’ road.

“Mount William Road serves as the region’s main freight route to CHS Broadbent – Lakaput Bulk Storage Facility, taking heavy agricultural freight traffic carrying wheat, barley, canola and oats from across the entire Wimmera southern-mallee,” she said

“The road is one of the busiest and most vitally important heavy vehicle freight links supporting Victoria’s agricultural economy over the harvest season.”

Cr Armstrong said council had paid for several recent emergency works to fix the road surface and highlighted the more fundamental road upgrades required for the route.

“These works have only scratched the surface of the level of maintenance required, with damages to the road base and narrow shoulders an impediment to meeting the increasing demands of industry,” she said.

“Council has developed a proposal that will see the reconstruction of an eight kilometre section of the road pavement, plus works to widen the road seal to 6.2metre dual lane with centre line barrier markings, and improved water run-off.

“The road reconstruction works will enhance freight efficiency and safety and reduce whole-of-life asset management costs.”