BMD Constructions has been awarded the contract for constructing the Buangor Bypass, which is a part of the Western Highway duplication project in Australia.

The announcement was made by deputy prime minister and minister for infrastructure and regional development Warren Truss, who said that the Western Highway is one of Victoria’s busiest rural roads and a significant interstate freight route, servicing trade which supports the farming industry, regional tourism and local communities.

Deputy premier of Victoria and leader of the Nationals Peter Ryan, Nationals member for Western Victoria David O’Brien, National’s candidate for Ripon Scott Turner and liberal candidate for Ripon Louise Staley were present at the ceremony.

"The Buangor Bypass will ensure that heavy freight vehicles and interstate drivers do not need to travel through Buangor."

The Australian Government will be contributing $404m to the project with the Victorian government contributing $101m.

Speaking about the project, Truss said: "By duplicating this highway, the Australian Government is not only saving on transport costs and improving freight efficiency, but also improving traffic flow and making it safer for all drivers.

The realignment and regrading of the existing carriageway and construction of three new bridges over Billy Billy Creek will comprise the work on the Buangor Bypass.

Ryan said: "The Australian and Victorian governments are proud supporters of this highway redevelopment, which delivers substantial benefits to the people of this region and Western Victoria more broadly.

"Together we have contributed $505m towards the Western Highway upgrade between Ballarat and Stawell, in what is another example of our joint commitment to building a better regional and rural Victoria."

Federal member for Wannon Dan Tehan elaborated that the bypass will complement the current construction of more than 15km of road between Beaufort and Buangor and 23km between Burrumbeet and Trawalla.

Tehan said: "The Buangor Bypass will ensure that heavy freight vehicles and interstate drivers do not need to travel through Buangor, which means local roads are returned back to the community."

As a part of the project, new service roads to maintain local access and road connections to the township of Buangor will also be constructed. A grade-separated interchange will also be built on the new highway with ramps connecting to the eastbound lanes, in addition to a new roundabout on the existing highway.