Busy road near station to be upgraded

MAJOR roadworks are scheduled to take place on a busy road adjacent to Waurn Ponds Station from as early as November.

The City of Greater Geelong will complete a $2.2 million upgrade of Sugargum Drive and Bodega Street, funded by the Australian Government’s Roads to Recovery program.

“The $2.2 million in Roads to Recovery funding will enable us to focus our resources in the Waurn Ponds area, specifically along the roads which are in great need of repair,” Geelong Mayor Trent Sullivan said.

The works, between Oakwood Crescent and Rossack Drive, will involve road pavement rehabilitation, kerb and channel upgrades, reflective pavement markers, and line marking upgrades.

The upgrade comes as a result of increased traffic surrounding Waurn Ponds Station.

Council said traffic assessments reveal around 11,000 vehicles use the street each week, with 15 to 20 per cent being heavy vehicles.

“We have a clear mission to rejuvenate and fortify the road infrastructure, which will ensure enhanced safety, efficiency, and sustainability for the Waurn Ponds community and the broader transportation network,” Cr Sullivan said.

“There is no doubt that at times this will be disruptive, the City thanks residents and road users for their patience and understanding while the roadworks are carried out.”

Federal Member for Corangamite Libby Coker said the Roads to Recovery funding scheme supports councils to improve local roads and safety, and to deliver the road projects that really matter to local communities.

“The Australian Government is delivering an ongoing commitment of $500 million per year through the Roads to Recovery program,” Ms Coker said.

Council outlined the works will be completed in three stages.

Each stage of construction will require the road to be closed for all vehicles, including residents’ vehicles.

Stage 1 – Bodega Street, from Rossack Drive to Cortona Place
Stage 2 – Bodega Street, from Cortona Place to Bollinger Street
Stage 3 – Sugargum Drive, from Bollinger Street to Oakwood Crescent

The works are planned to be completed in June next year.