VicRoads has invited community members to attend two public information sessions this month to discuss a proposed Western Highway bypass of Ararat.
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Acting Regional Director Mal Kersting said feedback from community sessions over the past three years had helped inform decisions on the project concept designs, including minimising impacts where possible.
“Since the July 2017 consultation session, feedback and findings from technical and environmental assessments have led to changes to the bypass route option and concept interchange designs,” he said.
Two public information sessions will be held at St Mary’s Parish Centre in Ararat where people can speak with the project team and address any concerns they may have.
The sessions will be held on Thursday March 22 (3pm-7pm), and Saturday March 24 (10am-2pm) at St Mary’s Parish Centre, 304 Barkly Street, Ararat.
Mr Kersting said VicRoads is proposing a variation to the route near Warrayatkin Road and changes to the interchanges and connection points at the Pyrenees Highway.
Some properties not originally affected by the draft plans in mid-2017 may now be impacted by these changes.
VicRoads has contacted and is wanting to speak with these affected property owners.
“The changes are aimed at minimising impacts on properties directly affected by the bypass at the Pyrenees Highway, maintaining where possible access to roads running north-south of the town, and minimising environmental impacts by protecting wildlife corridors and avoiding the loss of trees,” Mr Kersting said.
To view an interactive map and provide feedback online, visit the engage VicRoads website from March 19
VicRoads displayed proposed alignments for the bypass in 2013 and consulted with landowners in 2015.
Ararat Rural City councillors in 2016 called for the bypass to be built as close to Ararat as possible to help maintain tourist numbers.