The Western Highway – Anthonys Cutting Realignment involves constructing a new 5km highway connection south of the existing route, from Melton West to east of Bacchus Marsh. The highway forms part of the Route 8 between Melbourne and Adelaide and is a vital interstate freight route linking Melbourne, Ballarat and western Victoria.
VicRoads, John Holland and AECOM have formed the Western Highway Realignment Project Alliance in a partnership to plan, design and manage the freeway construction. The new freeway alignment will avoid the steep hills and tight curves through Anthonys Cutting, improving safety and reducing travel times and transport costs, with drivers able to travel this new section at 110 km/h.
The project is estimated to cost $200 million. Joint funding is provided by the Australian and Victorian Governments as part of the Nation Building Program and the Victorian Transport Plan. Major works are started in early 2010 with project completion in early 2012. The Alliance has contracted Gertzel Engineering Surveyors to provide all surveying services related to the project.
The current project scope includes:
- 1.2million m3 of dirt to move through the site – major works at Djerriwarrk Creek and Pyrites Creek.
- Dual carraiageway upgrade – main aim to straighten and flatten the highway.
- 6 bridges, both box girder and super T’s style.
- Urban design over the western highway.
- One major bridge @ approx 32m high over Djerriwarrh Creek (Ant Cutting), precast piers, insitu crossheads.
- Combination of drill and blast and bulk excavation for earthmoving.
- Local road works both new and relocation/refurb works.
- Major intersection to the Avenue of Honour.