Corio pothole fix prioritised after mayor’s request

CITY of Greater Geelong mayor Stretch Kontelj’s call for a pothole to be urgently fixed has been answered.

A large pothole at the intersection of Seabeach Parade and St Georges Road in Corio will be repaired in the coming weeks and that section of the road will be fully reconstructed later in the year.

Cr Kontelj wrote to the Department of Transport and Planning (DTP) as well as Lara MP Ella George, requesting urgent action.

He said the intersection was the responsibility of the DTP.

“In addition to being a safety hazard, this major pothole is also a terrible first impression for people arriving in Geelong from the nearby Spirit of Tasmania,” he said.

“It’s clear from the size and scale of this pothole that a significant fix, rather than a simple patch job, is needed.

“I hope this significant fix happens as soon as possible to ensure our roads are at the standard that we expect and deserve.”

Repair works are in the design phase with the intersection relatively complicated because of the utilities – including water, power and gas – below the surface.

Reconstruction will take place after the winter months as warmer weather is ideal for asphalt laying in the long term.

Ms George said she immediately contacted Roads and Road Safety Minister Melissa Horne when she became aware of the problem.

“This section of road will be repaired by the Department of Transport and Planning in the coming weeks.

“I have asked the minister to prioritise this work to ensure it is fixed as soon as possible.

“I have also requested that this section of road be fully reconstructed, to deliver a stronger, more resilient road. The Department of Transport and Planning have commenced design works to deliver this.” The DTP had not responded at time of print.