Unsealed road maintenance begins

THE City of Ballarat’s annual unsealed road maintenance program has begun.

The works include resheeting and drainage improvements on five unsealed roads located at Mount Helen, Warrenheip, Scotchmans Lead and Durham Lead.

The maintenance will cost $563,000 and is funded through the capital works program in this year’s City of Ballarat budget.

“Unsealed roads are a vital part of our transport network, particularly in rural areas,” mayor Cr Tracey Hargreaves said.

“This annual program ensures they remain safe and functional, improving travel conditions for residents, visitors, businesses and emergency services.”

The unsealed roads included in this year’s program are Blairs Lane at Warrenheip, Bell Avenue at Mount Helen, Nolans Road at Scotchmans Lead from Scotchmans Lead Road to the Yarrowee River, Reid Park Road at Mount Helen, and Sandys Hill Road at Durham Lead from Buninyong-Mount Mercer Road to Nicholsons Road.

The roads will be resheeted with 100 millimetres of new granite sand and a crushed rock wearing course.

Drainage maintenance will also be conducted including clearing vegetation and debris and replacing pipes and culverts.

Sections of sealed road will be added to areas with intersections or culverts to reduce ongoing maintenance.

Works are expected to finish early May, and directly impacted residents and landowners will be notified.