Great Ocean Road Upgrade

Project Description

The project will complete planning and design work and undertake various upgrades to improve the quality and standard of the Great Ocean Road. The project will upgrade pavement, stabilise cliff and land slip sites, strengthen bridges, replace guardrails, improve drainage assets and remove vegetation at selected locations between Torquay and Allansford.

Benefits

The Great Ocean Road is a 243 kilometre road that extends from Torquay to Allansford capturing a significant length of the south-west coast of Victoria. The Great Ocean Road is considered one of the world’s most scenic coastal drives, and links numerous tourism villages and destinations along the coast as well as providing access to famous attractions such as the Twelve Apostles and Bells Beach.

However the combined effect of age, heavy rainfall, sandy soils, salt corrosion and tourist traffic has increased the deterioration of the Great Ocean Road. Land slips, rock falls and drainage issues are frequent which temporarily close sections of the road or reduce the number of lanes available for motorists. This not only reduces the efficiency of the road but also reduces safety, particularly for tourists who are unfamiliar or unaccustomed to local driving conditions. The project will address these issues and reduce vehicle operating costs.

Funding

The estimated cost of the project is $50 million. The Australian Government is contributing $25 million and the Victorian Government $25 million.

Timetable

Construction commenced on 24 August 2014 and is expected to be completed in mid 2018.