21 December 2017
Southern Grampians Shire’s Flood Recovery Unit is asking residents to take extra care on the roads this holiday season as selected traffic management signs are removed from flood damaged roads within the Southern Grampians Shire.
Director of Infrastructure David Moloney says that drivers need to remember to drive to the road conditions.
“We are removing traffic management signage from some of our flood impacted roads, however we want to make it clear that this doesn’t mean these roads have had their repairs completed,” Mr Moloney said.
“The impacted roads are now lower risk to drivers because they have dried out significantly, and are more stable than they were previously. We have reduced the amount of warning signage and traffic management we have in place, but urge drivers to remember to always drive to the conditions and take extra care when driving over the Christmas and New Year period,” Mr Moloney said.
Works on roads within the Southern Grampians Shire are well underway, with two major contracts for the reinstatement of roads awarded this year. The start of 2018 will see the commencement of a significant schedule of repair works across our network.
Works have recently been completed on Top, Middle and Lower Hilgay and Wards Roads in Coleraine, Bullocks Road in Hamilton and a number of other roads across the Shire. Early in 2018 Flood Recovery works will continue in the Coleraine area and commence in the Glenthompson/Dunkeld area.
Mr Moloney said that in addition to the Recovery works, Council will be undertaking a significant Capital Works Program on the local road network.
“There will be a lot of roads with works occurring in the New Year and we really appreciate that some patience will be required from drivers when road works are underway.”
The Federal and State Governments, through the Natural Disaster Relief and Recovery Arrangements, are financially supporting Southern Grampians Shire Council in the reinstatement of these damaged assets. The damage is very widespread and has impacted across the whole Shire, with damage to roads currently estimated at $45 million. It has taken some time to fully understand the extent of restoration that is required.
Media Contact: Alison Quade | 0429 601 208 | aquade@sthgrampians.vic.gov.au