Draft Budget Spotlight: Buangor – Ben Nevis Road Reconstruction Project

Council’s Draft Budget 2025/2026 has allocated a further $1 million for the upgrade of Buangor – Ben Nevis Road, in addition to the previously committed $2.143 million. 

This essential link between the Pyrenees and Western Highways, which services freight transport, residents, and tourists, will undergo renewal works to reduce heavy vehicle traffic through Ararat, alleviating the impact on local roads and improving transport efficiency.

Reconstruction of Buangor-Ben Nevis Road, the main route to access the townships of Buangor, Bayindeen, Warrak, and Mount Cole Creek, will enhance connectivity, improve driving conditions, and reduce travel times and fatigue for residents.

The works proposed will reconstruct sections of Buangor-Ben Nevis Road, at both the Warrak township end and at the Western Highway end, and will include widened road seal, excavation and removal of existing pavement, new road base course layers, drainage works, sealing, line marking, safety barriers and associated signage.

Two bridges, one for renewal and strengthening and the other for reconstruction, are also key components of the project. The bridge reconstruction will include widening it to standard carriageway widths, allowing safer passage for vehicles traveling in opposite directions. Bridge works are expected to be completed by early 2026.

“The safety and efficiency our roads are of the highest priority,” says Ararat Rural City Council CEO Dr Tim Harrison.  “Buangor-Ben Nevis Road provides a crucial link for both our local community and freight transport, and by prioritising it’s upgrade we’re working to ensure that there is better connectivity for our region.”

Community members can follow the Buangor-Ben Nevis Reconstruction project's progress on Engage Ararat.