UPDATE, 4pm:
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The Western Highway has been re-opened in both directions between Ararat and Ballarat, as police operations have concluded in the area.
The Department of Transport thanked motorists for their patience during this time.
UPDATE, 11am:
Victoria Police have closed the Western Highway to remove camps and protesters from restricted areas, as highway construction work continues between Buangor and Ararat.
Victoria Police said they respect people's right to protest peacefully and were there to ensure no breaches of the peace occurs as a result of the protest.
Police have been supported by units from the Highway Patrol and specialist support units.
The following diversions were in place:
- Sunraysia Highway from Ballarat to Avoca to the North
- Pyrenees Highway from Ararat to Avoca to the Sunraysia Highway back into Ballarat
Reopening time is unknown at this stage.
More updates to come.
EARLIER:
The Western Highway between Ararat and Burrumbeet has been shut, according to the Vic Roads website.
Ararat Police acting Sergeant Silas Stephens said the road was closed due to the Western Highway protests.
"It's in relation to the protest site for the Western Highway duplication. I don't know for how long," he said.
The last update was at 7.26am on Tuesday morning.
"The Western Highway is closed in both directions between Ararat and Ballarat due to a police request. Motorists should use the Pyrenees Highway through Avoca, then the Sunraysia Highway to Ballarat," the website read.
"Drivers should allow an extra thirty to forty minutes using this significant diversion. This closure is under Victoria Police control. The road will re-open when it is safe to do so."
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