VicRoads plans to reconnect Ballarat’s Avenue of Honour with the construction of a new overpass of the historic site along the Western Highway at Burrumbeet.Reviving the avenue is part of the Western Highway Upgrade works between Burrumbeet and Beaufort starting next year.However, Avenue of Honour Committee president Bruce Price said reopening a crucial rail crossing needed to be part of the plans for the avenue to be truly reconnected.In the early 1990s, 800 of the avenue’s 3800 trees were cut off from the larger section by the construction of the Western Highway’s Ballarat bypass and the closure of the rail crossing.The only access to this “forgotten” section of the avenue is currently a detour via Glue Pot road.The new Remembrance Drive Interchange will connect to and from Ballarat-Burrumbeet Road and includes a new car parking area on the north side of the highway.“A pathway from the new car park will allow visitors to safely walk along the avenue, to stop and read the tree plaques and to reflect on those who served and the battles they fought,” Mr Price said.“Some of the avenue’s trees are in poor condition and will be replaced and replanted with healthier stock, while the soil and drainage works will ensure the remaining trees continue to thrive.”Mr Price said VicRoads worked closely with the Arch of Victory/Avenue of Honour Committee to find a design for the overpass which respectfully commemorated the soldiers, sailors and nurses who are honoured. VicRoads project director Michael McCarthy said the priority of the planning process was to avoid any negative impacts on the avenue. Avenue of Honour Committee vice-president Jeremy Johnson said it was important the rail crossing was included in the works, in time for the 2015 Anzac centenary.“Avenue road has some of our finest trees, but it’s the forgotten end of the avenue now,” he said.“You can’t walk through here or drive through here.”VicRoads is currently seeking a Heritage Permit to allow the works to take place. Detailed plans are now on public display.They can be viewed at the VicRoads Western Highway Project Office, 237 Ring Road, Wendouree. For those wishing to provide feedback, call VicRoads on1300 779 642 or emailwhp@roads.vic.gov.au.