Construction on the Western Highway Upgrade between Buangor and Ararat is set to begin before the end of the year, following extra funding included in the 2026/27 State and Federal Budgets, taking the total joint contribution to $1.17 billion, ensuring this critical upgrade will be delivered.
We're progressing the urgently needed duplication of the Western Highway, with over 55 kilometres already duplicated between Ballarat and Buangor as part of the broader Western Highway Corridor program.
The Western Highway is one of the busiest national undivided highways in Australia, and a critical freight and tourism route for western Victoria.
This project will duplicate 12 kms of highway between Buangor and Ararat, adding an extra lane in each direction to improve safety and reliability.
The project’s design has been recently updated to make the road safer and more efficient. The updated design also reduces impacts on the environment and meets the latest road safety and design standards.
Subject to final approvals, including from the Commonwealth Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water, construction is expected to begin before the end of this year.
Over the coming months, construction partners will finalise construction plans and timelines.
Interim safety measures were installed on the Western Highway last year, including reduced speed limits and improved signage, to help reduce the risk and severity of serious incidents while planning work continued.
The Western Highway Upgrade has undergone a rigorous planning process over several years, including a full independent Environment Effects Statement process.
Completion of all works is expected by mid-2029.
Read more about the Western Highway Upgrade.