Council & Politics
25 September, 2026
Work underway
AFTER a delay of eight years, work has commenced on the next stage of the Western Highway duplication between Buangor and Ararat. An army of road workers has converged on Ararat in recent weeks as the project ramps up. The project – which has been stalled since 2018 – was recently given a lifeline with a $372 million commitment of additional funding from the Federal Government and a further $73.5 million from the Victorian Government.
Duplication of the Buangor-Ararat section of the road stalled eight years ago due to an indigenous heritage dispute over the proposed route.
Over 55 kilometres has already been duplicated between Ballarat and Buangor as part of the broader Western Highway Corridor program from Ballarat to Stawell.
The Western Highway is one of the busiest national undivided highways in Australia, and a critical freight and tourism route for western Victoria.
The project’s design has been recently updated which reduces impacts on the environment and meets the latest road safety and design standards.
The first phase of works include the removal of hundreds of trees along the route.
The duplication of the highway is expected to deliver a huge economic boost for Ararat.
Local accommodation and food businesses are expected to see a big influx over the next two years as work progresses.
It’s understood a new compound is underway for workers including a two storey office and amenities facility.
Member for Ripon Martha Haylett admits the long delay has frustrated motorists and the local community.
“The Western Highway is the number one project Ararat wants to see done,” she said.
“From October, readers will see more people working on site as they get ready for major construction.
“Crews will install site compounds and build new and upgraded access tracks,” Ms Haylett said.
“They’ll also start to make room to build the new lanes and road infrastructure. This will include clearing some trees and vegetation.
“I’ll keep your readers updated along the way,” she said.
Traffic management is in place along the highway at times between 7am and 6pm, Mondays to Fridays.
Drivers are advised they may may encounter lane closures, speed reductions to 40km/h, temporary traffic lights or traffic controllers.