A new bridge and a shared-use path built as part of the Barwon Heads Road Upgrade have been named to honour Wadawurrung language and story. The new bridge over the rail line at Marshall is now known as Narriyu, and the upgrade’s shared-use path is Karndorr.
The words are Wadawurrung for ‘top of the hill’ and ‘track’ respectively.
Wadawurrung Traditional Owners Aboriginal Corporation (WTOAC) led a smoking ceremony recently to commemorate the namings. WTOAC chose the names as part of its collaboration with us on the upgrade.
WTOAC was engaged to incorporate informed, meaningful Wadawurrung design in the upgrade and to highlight connections with Wadawurrung landscape, language, culture and communities. As the Registered Aboriginal Party for the Barwon Heads Road Upgrade project area, WTOAC works to support Wadawurrung Traditional Owners’ aspirations and protect their cultural heritage in line with the Aboriginal Heritage Act 2006.
The Barwon Heads Road Upgrade has added 4km of lanes to the road between Belmont and Charlemont, making travel safer and more reliable for all users. The project has also upgraded intersections and removed a dangerous level crossing at Marshall. The Narriyu bridge replaced the level crossing.
The 4km Karndorr path is the road's first continuous connection for pedestrians and cyclists.
The upgrade reached completion in July, 6 months ahead of schedule.
Find out more information about the Barwon Heads Road Upgrade.