IT’S official.

The proposed new major arterial thoroughfare through Wyndham will be called Armstrong Rd after one of the area’s respected pioneers.

The previous title of Middle Ring Rd was seen as confusing with other major roads and Armstrong has now been officially listed with the Registrar of Geographic Names.

The Wyndham Council decision follows public consultation and an original proposal by the Werribee District Historical Society that Armstrong be the name chosen.

Elliott Armstrong, an ex-dragoon in the British Army, arrived in Werribee in 1846 and operated a ferry across the Werribee River until the bridge opened in 1851.

He then built and operated Armstrong’s Inn, later renamed the Racecourse Hotel, where the first Road District Board meeting - a forerunner to the local council - was held.

The first school in Werribee was established in a shed in the grounds of the inn, where students were taught by his daughter, Ellen.

Wyndham mayor Shane Bourke said the renaming would cut out any confusion.

“The name Middle Ring Rd was given when the road corridor was proposed in the Werribee West Concept Plan in 1996,” he said.

“That was when an Outer Ring Rd and Inner Ring Rd were also proposed.

“The name is now considered inappropriate and is already being confused with Western and South ring roads.

“The choice of Armstrong Rd pays tribute to one of Wyndham’s most prominent residents and the work done by Mr Armstrong and his family in the community.”

With the first section of the road between Ballan Rd and Greens Rd reserved, and the first part of the service road already constructed, the council will rename the entire length of the proposed road Armstrong Rd.

The alignments of future sections, north of Ballan Rd and south of Greens Rd, are yet to be confirmed.