VicRoads acting project director David Teague said the earthworks, drainage works and bridge construction were under way to build the six-kilometre bypass of Buangor township.

“Works are expected to be completed on the bypass in mid-2016,” he said.

A grandmother who tied herself to a tree at Buangor last month protesting the impact of the works on the local landscape said she was disappointed to see the plans hadn’t changed. 

Isabel Mackenzie said she had received plenty of support, but not from the authorities. 

“We just hope they’ll reconsider,” she said. “If they stay on the same highway and widen it, they’ll save $20 million in taxpayers’ money. They’re making a new road for no reason.

“Taking out big old trees, the landscape is changing. We need to prevent what they’re doing, otherwise they’ll keep doing it all the way to Stawell.” 

Nationals senator for Victoria Bridget McKenzie saw the development of the Buangor Bypass during a visit to the area on Wednesday. 

“When complete, the bypass will be built to current highway standards with two traffic lanes in each direction that will reduce the risk of head-on crashes,” she said. “Work will also include the realignment and regrading of the existing carriageway, three new bridges over Billy Billy Creek, new service roads to maintain local access, and road connections to the township of Buangor.

“At Peacocks Road a grade-separated interchange will be built on the new highway, with ramps connecting to the eastbound lanes and a roundabout on the existing highway.”

Mr Teague said that between Beaufort and Buangor, the major focus continued to be stabilisation activities, drainage installation and placement of crushed rock to form the road surface base.

nicole.cairns@fairfaxmedia.com.au