According to information obtained by The Standard, roughly $77 million has already been spent on duplication works and land acquisition since the project kicked off 10 months ago.

The joint federal-state $220 million project has hired an average of 61 people working on the highway every day until its completion in two years’ time.

VicRoads project director Tony Hedley said contractor BMD Construction had focused on earth and drainage works in recent months, changing the landscape significantly.

“Approximately one million cubic metres of earth will be moved during this project with some of this used in preparation for the bridge over the railway line,” Mr Hedley said.

“Scrapers, excavators and dump trucks have been used to stockpile the topsoil and prepare the foundation for the structure that will carry Geelong-bound vehicles.”

Colac-Otway Shire mayor Stephen Hart said the duplication of the Princes Highway would open up economic opportunities for the south-west.

He said the higher-than-average incidences of car accidents was also a factor in the community’s push for a dual-lane carriageway in the region.

South-west motorists are advised to expect delays of roughly 15 minutes between Winchelsea and Geelong during weekdays.

Duplication works between Colac and Winchelsea are due to start in 2014 after the federal and state governments pledged to upgrade the route.

asinnott@standard.fairfa x.com.au