The revelation that the project could stall and come to an abrupt end in 2016 is sure to come as a surprise to many people.

Without guaranteed funding in next year's budgets, both state and federal, the project is likely to come to a halt and the ramifications of that would be massive.

As Northern Grampians Shire Mayor, Cr Kevin Erwin rightly points out, why spend money on half a project?

Studies have been undertaken and prove that it is economically beneficial to duplicate the Western Highway through to Stawell.

It is after all the principal road link between Melbourne and Adelaide servicing interstate trade between Victoria and South Australia.

It also supports the farming industry, grain production, regional tourism and a range of manufacturing and service activities in the state's west.

In terms of freight movements the Western Highway is one of the busiest highways in the country and it will only get busier.

With figures indicating that about 5500 vehicles now use the stretch of highway between Beaufort and Stawell every day, increased safety and decreased travel times by way of the duplication are a must.

Cr Erwin has put pen to paper and written to council counterparts as well as the Victorian Premier highlighting the importance of this project continuing.

Why not, through your role as a road user and citizen, put pen to paper to ensure this monumental and milestone project doesn't come to a premature end.

- Ben Kimber