VicRoads will reduce a section of the arterial road from a 100km/h limit to 80km/h, providing a safer alternate route for vehicles, trucks and B-Doubles to Melbourne for south-west Victoria residents and businesses. 

The exact section of the road to be reduced in speed is the narrow single lane sealed section near Leslie Manor.

Two sections of single lane sealed road between Foxhow and Cressy could have similar changes implemented if conditions worsen. 

A $2.9 million commitment in the last state government election will upgrade an area of road north of Lake Gnarpurt (25km from Camperdown) by the end of the year.

Corangamite Shire mayor Chris O’Connor said he understood why the changes had been implemented but the council would continue to advocate for more upgrades.

“Safety of road users should always be paramount and drivers should always drive to the conditions," Cr O'Connor said. 

"Regular road users are well aware of the poor condition of Foxhow Road and council has heard of many complaints of near misses and damage to vehicles.

“Council has raised concerns that the road is no longer able to be just maintained to allow continued use at 100 km/h and road safety is being compromised. 

“The road requires extensive rehabilitation, reconstruction and resealing, for it to be returned to a safe travelling speed of 100km/h which council is keen to see addressed in the near future.

“Corangamite Shire Council has been advocating to both VicRoads and the State Government for several years regarding the condition of the road. 

“The road has been included the 2013-2014 Corangamite Shire Priorities List and it is estimated that $7 million is required to address various safety concerns along the road. 

“It is a high priority that these safety concerns are addressed to ensure the safety of all users of the road.”