Bypass Opening Returns Local Roads To Drysdale

  • Minister for Transport Infrastructure

The Bellarine Peninsula’s biggest road infrastructure project, the Drysdale Bypass opens to traffic today.

The new $117 million bypass, stretching 6 kilometres from Jetty Road to the north of Whitcombes Road, will significantly reduce traffic congestion through the centre of Drysdale and will ensure safer, more efficient journeys on the Bellarine Peninsula.

The bypass will give local roads back to local drivers by diverting trucks, which make up more than 11 per cent of the 20,000 vehicles that travel through Drysdale each day, away from the town centre. In addition, visitors to the Bellarine will also enjoy more consistent travel times, especially during the busier summer holiday season where an extra 5,000 vehicles move through Drysdale daily.

A new pedestrian underpass is already providing safer access for students, linking the town centre with the education, arts and sporting precinct on Peninsula Drive. Finishing touches including interpretive artwork on the underpass will be completed by the end of the year.

Over the coming months some temporary lane closures and speed restrictions will be in place to complete drainage works, landscaping and permanent lighting. Minor works on the shared use path which runs along the full length of the bypass also need to be completed.

In a further economic boost for the region, planning work for the Barwon Heads Road Duplication is progressing with the Planning Scheme Amendment process which opened on Friday 26 June.

The 4km duplication between Settlement Road and Reserve Road in south-east Geelong includes extra lanes to increase traffic capacity in this fast-growing region, intersection upgrades and the removal of a dangerous level crossing over the Melbourne-Warrnambool railway line at Marshall.

The community is invited to have their say on the Planning Scheme Amendment for the Barwon Heads Road project at bigbuild.engage.vic.gov.au/bhr.

As stated by Minister for Transport Infrastructure Jacinta Allan

“We’ve wasted no time in opening the bypass to traffic so locals can benefit straight away from the safety improvements and travel time savings.”

“Investment in south east Geelong’s road infrastructure continues to be our focus, and we’re progressing planning work on the Barwon Heads Duplication to support ongoing development in this growth corridor.”

As stated by Member for Bellarine Lisa Neville

“This bypass is a real win for locals – it not only delivers my election commitment but we will also see trucks gone from High Street and safer trips for drivers, cyclists and pedestrians.”

“We’ve delivered on this long-awaited bypass on time and I am looking forward to seeing the benefits for locals and for motorists who travel to the Bellarine Peninsula, particularly in the busy summer months.”

/Public Release. View in full here.