Back road to be reconstructed

AN arterial road in the city’s west towards Bunkers Hill will soon be overhauled.

Since last week, the City of Ballarat has begun reconstructing a 1.46-kilometre portion of Finchs Road, between Bells Road and Greenhalghs Road.

The upgrade is being supported with $1.5 million through the Federal Government’s Local Roads and Community Infrastructure program.

City of Ballarat director of infrastructure and environment Bridget Wetherall said the upgrades are about improving safety for travellers.

“This significant upgrade of Finchs Road will deliver essential safety improvements for the residents and motorists who use this road,” she said.

“We look forward to completing the project and thank the Federal Government for this critical funding.”

Works will include widening and sealing the road as well as adding kerbing, shoulders, minor drainage infrastructure, and guard rails along some sections.

Several trees will be removed to allow for widening, with wood to be repurposed for existing walking and cycling tracks.

Following the project’s completion, native flora will be planted to beautify the area.

The impacted section of Finchs Road will be closed intermittently until Friday 20 December to allow for works, while a full closure is expected to be enforced from mid-January.

Speed limit reductions will also be in place.

Nearby residents have been notified of the works by City of Ballarat staff, and the project is expected to be completed by the end of February.

Works are also to take place at the Greenhalghs Road and Finchs Road intersection as part of a $2 million funding pool in the Federal Government’s Black Spot program.