Regional Director Ewen Nevett said a range of issues would be investigated to help VicRoads identify potential route options.

“The flora and fauna work we’re doing will form part of the overall environmental impact study and will identify what’s on the ground and how a bypass may impact on what we’ve identified,” he said. 

“Other investigation work will kick off from early 2016 and will focus on potential cultural heritage, social, economic, land use planning, agricultural, hydrology, traffic volumes and safety impacts.

“The results of these investigations will give us a good understanding of impacts in the area so we can determine the best route for a Western Highway bypass of Ararat.”

Mr Nevett said involving the public in bypass planning is a key priority for VicRoads.

“We’re already consulting with property owners and residents in the bypass investigation area to understand individual circumstances and we’ll continue to work towards minimising effects,” he said.

“We expect most of our consultation activities with the wider public to begin in 2016 to give people an opportunity to share local knowledge and provide feedback on potential route options.

“Keeping people informed on planning progress and results is an essential priority for us and we will work with all parties to reach the best result,” he said.

Investigations are expected to take at least 12 months to complete.

“Once this planning study is complete, we then move to the statutory planning process to reserve sufficient land in the Ararat Planning Scheme,” Mr Nevett said. 

“This will provide certainty to landowners and the public.

“A bypass of Ararat will improve freight efficiency, road safety and town amenity as growth in Western Victoria leads to traffic volume increases along the highway.” 

There is no funding for the detailed design or construction of a Western Highway Ararat bypass.

The planning comes hot on the heels of news that an Environment Effects Statement (EES) process for a Beaufort bypass is underway. 

VicRoads has referred the bypass planning project to the Planning Minister after identifying environmental sensitivities in the area. 

Visit www.vicroads.vic.gov.au and search ‘Ararat bypass planning’.​