Upgrade planned for Australia’s historic Great Ocean Road

Australia’s historic Great Ocean Road looks set to benefit from a major upgrade. This twisty tourist route runs along the coast in the state of Victoria and will receive US$44.7 million (A$50 million) in funding, which is being provided in an equal split between the Australian Federal Government and the Victoria State Government. The scenic route was constructed between WWI and WWII and largely by hand as part of a government scheme to reduce unemployment, as well as to provide access to a remote area of the state. The road is highly popular with tourists and locals alike and tourism is an important source of income to the area. But the road is challenging in stretches as well as having issues with regard to wildlife in the roadway and its accident rate has given cause for concern. The project includes road resurfacing works in Anglesea and is now commencing. Anti-skid surfaces may be required in some areas to reduce the risk of vehicles leaving the roadway on certain sharp curves.