Geelong Ring Road to get $71m upgrade

Mr Pallas said the Mt Duneed freeway extension would boost efficient access for freight, commuter and tourist traffic to and from the Geelong Region and south west Victoria.

"The Ring Road western link will deviate from Anglesea Road near Hams Road through land reclaimed within the Blue Circle Quarry at Waurn Ponds, and will reconnect with the Princes Highway near Draytons Road," he said.

"This new connection will be welcomed by truck drivers who must now exit the Ring Road at Rossack Drive and travel west along the two-lane highway through the Waurn Ponds Valley."

A 5km freeway connection from Waurn Ponds to Mt Duneed is also a feature of the upgraded Ring Road.

The $71m construction contract was awarded to the Cut and Fill company.

Mr Albanese said the Ring Road extension, together with duplication of the Princes Highway, would allow drivers to travel for more than 100kms between Melbourne and Winchelsea on a freeway standard road.

"This new five kilometre freeway link to the upgraded Princes Highway is part of a safer, four-lane divided route planned to continue through to Winchelsea," he said.

Work on the upgrade is expected to start this year and be finished in 2014.