General News
19 May, 2026
Western Highway upgrade moves closer
Construction on the long-delayed Western Highway duplication project could begin this year after governments committed a further $446 million to the Buangor-Ararat section.
On May 15, the federal government announced an additional $372.5 million to duplicate the 12km section of highway between Buangor and Ararat, known as section 2B.
The Victorian government will contribute an additional $73.5 million, bringing the total Western Highway Corridor program funding to over $1.17 billion.
However, the project is subject to final approval by the Commonwealth Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water.
Catherine King, Federal Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government, stated that both governments are committed to improving safety on this section of road.
“These upgrades between Buangor and Ararat have been a long time coming, but this additional funding will ensure that they will be delivered,” she said.
“We are committed to making this section of highway safe, efficient and importantly, double-laned.”
Victorian Senator Raff Ciccone said the funding will enhance safety and increase productivity along the major transport corridor between Melbourne and Adelaide.
The wider Western Highway between Ballarat and Stawell recorded 158 crashes and 22 fatalities in the 10 years to March 2026, underscoring the safety case for the upgrade.
A Victorian coroner this year urged the government to prioritise long-delayed works after a series of fatal crashes.
The duplication project stalled in 2018 amid objections from Djab Wurrung traditional custodians and supporters over culturally significant trees along the planned route.
The Djab Wurrung Heritage Protection Embassy established a camp on the highway to protect a birthing tree, which remained in place for several years.
In October 2020, authorities arrested and removed more than 50 people from the site.
In December 2020, the Federal Court overturned then-Federal Minister for the Environment Sussan Ley’s decision to reject an appeal for the protection of the trees.
A prolonged court case between the Victorian Government and sisters MairiAnne and Iona Mackenzie also delayed the project.
A modified plan was endorsed by the Eastern Maar Aboriginal Corporation in March 2026.
All works are expected to be completed by mid-2029.
For more information, visit bigbuild.vic.gov.au/projects/roads/western-highway-upgrade.