Geelong’s Mayor is calling for every federal election candidate to commit to the extension of the Geelong Ring Road to link the Bellarine.
The project would see a continuation of the road at the Baanip Boulevard and Surf Coast Highway intersection at Mount Duneed, which would see it linked up with Barwon Heads Road.
The City of Greater Geelong has the project as one of the local and regional priorities that require investment from the federal and state governments.
It’s hoped the extension would reduce travel times between the current Ring Road and some of the furthest points on the Bellarine Peninsula by as much as 15 minutes and alleviate congestion.
Mayor Stretch Kontelj has advocated for bipartisan support and a commitment to funding the extension ahead of the upcoming federal election.
“Extending the Geelong Ring Road to Barwon Heads Road is vital for our growing region,” Mayor Kontelj said.
“As the population grows, and the traffic through that area increases, and we need infrastructure that keeps pace with community need.
“The extension would reduce travel times by up to 15 minutes and support our region’s growing population by improving the links between the Bellarine and Melbourne.
“It would also support rail connections to Marshall Station and support active travel through separate paths that keep cars, cyclists and pedestrians safely apart.
“For sustainable growth and liveability we need fewer trucks in Central Geelong, and the Geelong Ring Road Extension would enable a direct link between Geelong’s North and the Bellarine without trucks in our CBD.
“As we approach the upcoming Federal Election, I want to see every candidate commit to this project – we need the support of all parties so that this infrastructure is delivered regardless of the result.”
