Potholes, road closures top Armstrong Creek frustrations

POTHOLES, poorly planned road closures, and inadequate communication are the biggest concerns for Armstrong Creek residents, according to the results of a local roads survey.

The survey received 823 complaints from residents about the state of local roads across the Armstrong Creek Growth Area, with frustrations directed at poor collaboration between developers and the City of Greater Geelong and a lack of clear infrastructure delivery.

The survey revealed:

47 per cent of respondents raised serious concerns about Boundary Road

38 per cent raised concerns about Horseshoe Bend Road, and

50 per cent of respondents were from Charlemont, with many pointing to issues at Barwon Heads Road and its intersection with Boundary Road.

Corangamite federal member Libby Coker, who launched the survey, said the results highlighted significant safety and access concerns for residents.

“The two top issues raised by respondents were potholes and road closures, she said.

“More than 85 per cent of respondents raised serious concerns about the impacts of the Horseshoe Bend Road and Boundary Road closures.

“Many noted that Warralily Boulevard and the Lower Mount Duneed Road Roundabout are becoming gridlocked during peak times as a direct result of these road closures and the Burvilles Road closure.”

Ms Coker said she had raised the issue in Parliament and formally written to the City of Greater Geelong to demand action.

“I have urged the council to review current and upcoming road closures to ensure timely access and egress for residents of Armstrong Creek, particularly focusing on Horseshoe Bend, Boundary and Reserve roads.

“I’ve also called on the council to review how they communicate with residents, businesses, schools and emergency services about upcoming road closures to ensure they receive adequate and timely notification.”

Ms Coker said the federal government was increasing the Roads to Recovery program to more than $1 billion each year and was funding an upgrade of the Reserve Road and Surf Coast Highway intersection, including new traffic lights and turning lanes.

The city’s website outlines the challenges of balancing essential road upgrades with maintaining access for residents and emergency services.

A statement on the city’s website described the approval process as complex. “Approval for access to work on our road network is not given lightly.

“Our decision-making process involves a comprehensive consideration of existing and upcoming disruptions on our roads and state-managed roads, along with the needs of gas, power and water authorities to preserve services to the community.

“Priority is given to maintaining key routes critical for emergency services to reach people in need promptly.”

The following roadworks are under way or planned in Armstrong Creek:

Harriott Road (east of Barwon Heads Road) from Scottsdale Street to Kennard Grove – Completion expected by December 23

Whites Road from Sovereign Drive to Rowands Street: Completion expected by March 28, 2025, and

Horseshoe Bend Road from Boundary Road to Warralily Boulevard: Completion expected by January 27, 2025.