Improvements for Australia’s Great Ocean Road

A series of safety upgrades will be introduced for Australia’s historic Great Ocean Road. The Australian Federal Government and Victoria Government are co-funding improvement works worth nearly US$40 million (A$40 million).
October 19, 2017 Read time: 1 min

A series of safety upgrades will be introduced for Australia’s historic Great Ocean Road. The Australian Federal Government and Victoria Government are co-funding improvement works worth nearly US$40 million (A$40 million). The Great Ocean Road was constructed in the inter-war period and follows the coastline very closely, with numerous twists and turns. The route is a favourite for tourist traffic due to its scenic views but the road’s many sharp turns can be treacherous for the unwary driver, with local wildlife providing an additional hazard. Collisions with kangaroos pose a particular risk at certain times of the day. The need for the safety improvements is acute as there have been 213 crashes, including all types of incidents, and six fatalities along the Great Ocean Road over the last five years. The safety improvements will include the installation of the latest types of guard rails at key danger points, as well as warning signs for drivers. A number of bridges will be upgraded while resurfacing work will be carried out on stretches of road where the surface no longer meets requirements. The work will start in 2018 and should be complete by 2022.

Asphalt milling, paving & compaction

Related Content

  • World Road Meeting 2017
    April 16, 2018
    The IRF World Road Meeting 2017 was held recently – World Highways’ India correspondent Partha Pratim Basistha reports The 18th World Road Meeting of the International Road Federation took place between 14-17 November 2017 in the North Indian state of Uttar Pradesh at Greater Noida near India’s capital New Delhi. Close to 1500 delegates and visitors across the world - including India - from the road infrastructure fraternity participated at the global event. The Cross Roads meeting, coinciding with an ex
    Read More
  • Powered two wheeler safety plan for Europe
    November 16, 2015
    A new road safety strategy for powered two wheelers in Europe has been set out jointly following discussions. The results of analysis have been set out in a joint position statement by the bodies FEMA, FIM and FIM Europe. In the draft report FEMA and FIM have identified seven major areas of great importance that are in accordance with the positions of the riders’ organisations in Europe and elsewhere. Key recommendations and statements from the OECD-ITF draft report highlight issues for the safety of powe
    Read More
  • Concrete barriers help to minimise accidents
    July 12, 2012
    Concrete barriers offer a highway safety solution - Mike Woof writes. Concrete safety barriers are being installed on many of Europe's major highways, particularly for use as centre lane dividers. The strength and durability of concrete barriers can help reduce the risk of cross over accidents, one of several topics raised at a conference in Brussels on concrete highway barriers organised by the European Concrete Paving Association, EUPAVE. The conference was opened by Yves Deceoene of the IRF's Belgian ex
    Read More
  • The Australian Government has set a massive budget for infrastructure investment, including major spending on roads
    May 17, 2013
    The Australian Government is announcing plans to invest A$24 billion (US$23.73 billion) in transport infrastructure across the country. This will form the second part of the country’s five-year Nation Building Plan (NBP). The investment will be used to improve roads, railways and ports between 2014/2015 and 2018/2019. One stage of the NBP will involve spending A$525 million to upgrade and widen the M80 Ring Road in New South Wales (NSW) in a project that will include installing the latest traffic management
    Read More

Highlighted Content