Disruptions expected this month on Anakie Road

THE road surface of a one-kilometre-long stretch on Anakie Road is set to get a makeover this month.

The City of Greater Geelong has begun asphalt works to improve the road surface on Anakie Road between the Geelong Baptist College and Asher Road.

Testing commissioned by the city was done late last year by independent experts the Australian Road Research Board (ARRB) to assess the road’s base and surface.

Director of City Services, Guy Wilson-Browne, said the report found it’s likely that water is entering the pavement through cracks and further remediation works are required.

“The independent experts recommended the surface be removed and replaced with an even stronger layer of asphalt that can withstand heavy vehicle traffic,” Mr Wilson-Browne said.

“Anakie Road is a busy route used by 5000 vehicles a day. Fifteen per cent of this traffic is heavy vehicles, including trucks accessing the Geelong Port.”

Traffic management plans have been prepared to ensure appropriate detours are in place for local traffic to use during the construction phase of the upgrade.

“The works will improve road safety as well as improving access from regional areas to the Geelong Ring Road,” Mr Wilson-Browne added.

“The design will allow us to retain the new kerb and channel, which has improved drainage and access to local residences.”

Construction started on Monday, January 17 and is expected to be completed by Thursday, January 27 depending on weather.

The works will be completed by Fulton Hogan, which has a plant based locally in Lara.