Benefits - The VicRoads (2004a), identified that the western bypass would remove through traffic, including
freight, from Geelong’s existing roads, support Geelong’s role as a regional transport hub, road freight gateway,
tourist gateway and as a regional centre for several satellite townships and provide the only viable project in
transport economic terms within an acceptable level of investment risk. Western bypass would improve connectivity
between the largest number of principal roads and highways that radiate out from Geelong and deliver a road that
reduces accident rates, travel times and costs for freight and road users undertaking urban, regional and national
trips. Council identified the Armstrong Creek and Mt Duneed area as the location for future urban growth which lies
to the south of the freeway. The Armstrong Creek Urban Growth Plan will apply to a physical area of 4,300 hectares
to accommodate up to 70,000 people