Motorists in Geelong's southern growth corridor are breathing a sigh of relief as a key traffic route has reopened following a significant closure for major upgrade works. Boundary Road in Armstrong Creek has now fully reopened to traffic, marking a pivotal step forward in the multi-million dollar Barwon Heads Road duplication project.
Project Progress and Timeline
The reopening comes as construction on the Barwon Heads Road upgrade shifts its focus. The initial closure of Boundary Road was necessary to allow crews to safely install new drainage and other essential underground services, as well as to build the new road formation for this section of the project.
With this stage now complete, the project team from Major Road Projects Victoria can progress to the next phases. The overall upgrade involves duplicating Barwon Heads Road to four lanes between Settlement Road and Reserve Road. This critical piece of infrastructure is designed to ease congestion and improve safety for the tens of thousands of drivers who use the corridor daily, including residents in the rapidly growing suburbs of Armstrong Creek and Mount Duneed.
What Comes Next for Drivers
While the reopening of Boundary Road restores an important local connection, motorists should remain prepared for ongoing changes. Work will continue along Barwon Heads Road itself, with traffic management, including speed reductions and occasional lane closures, likely to remain in place to protect workers and the public.
The upgrade is a complex undertaking that includes not just road widening, but also the installation of new traffic lights, pedestrian and cycling paths, and improved intersections. The project is a key part of the state government's plan to support the booming population in the Geelong region, ensuring the road network can keep pace with demand.
Community Impact and Long-Term Benefits
The temporary closure of Boundary Road, while disruptive, was a planned necessity to accelerate this stage of construction. The alternative routes via Ghazeepore Road and Surf Coast Highway experienced increased traffic during this period, highlighting the area's reliance on this network.
Once finished, the upgraded Barwon Heads Road is expected to deliver substantial benefits, including:
- Reduced travel times and improved traffic flow during peak hours.
- Enhanced safety for all road users with modern design standards.
- Better connections for cyclists and pedestrians with new, separated shared paths.
- Increased capacity to support future growth in Armstrong Creek and surrounding areas.
Authorities are urging drivers to continue to follow all signage, observe reduced speed limits in work zones, and plan their journeys while construction continues. The project remains on track to be completed, bringing lasting improvements to one of Geelong's most important arterial roads.
