Construction has started on the Princes Highway duplication between Winchelsea and Colac in Australia.

The Australian and Victoria Governments will each provide $185.5m to complete the duplication works. Work is anticipated to be completed by mid-2019.

The project features a new pedestrian bridge over Barongarook Creek and refurbishments to five pedestrian crossings.

"This upgrade will increase efficiency and safety for motorists and heavy vehicles travelling on the Princes Highway West."

Federal Member for Corangamite Sarah Henderson said: "This route serves many important industries in south-west Victoria, including agriculture, logging, grain growing, dairy and tourism.

"This upgrade will increase efficiency and safety for motorists and heavy vehicles travelling on the Princes Highway West.

"The Princes Highway West is a major link to tourist attractions, such as the Great Ocean Road, and is a vital link for regional Victorians to commercial centres such as the port of Melbourne, Geelong and Portland."

The upgrade programme of Princes Highway is a series of projects to enhance safety and efficiency on one of New South Wales’ main routes.

The Princes Highway is the major route linking Sydney with Port Augusta through Illawarra and the South Coast regions.

The highway between the north of Gerringong and Bega is a two-lane single carriageway with limited sections of four lanes.