Road widening project begins

THE road widening of Mt Mercer-Dereel Road began late last month and is expected to take fourteen weeks, weather permitting.

Access via Mt Mercer-Dereel and Tippetts Road and Mt Mercer-Dereel and Gumley Road remains open for local residents although the bridge on Spring Creek is closed.

Motorists are asked to plan ahead and allow for extra time when using alternative routes.

The road will be widened from a single lane to two lanes and the bridge at Spring Creek will be replaced.

“The first stage of the project will be focused on the reconstruction of the major culvert at the Spring Creek Crossing,” a Golden Plains Shire spokesperson said.

“Once completed, the contractor will then start progress on the reconstruction of the existing single lane road to create a two-lane road consistent with the east and western ends of Mt Mercer Dereel Road.”

The $1.84 million upgrade is funded by the Federal Government and involves 2.41 kilometres of reconstruction.

“The major culvert is progressing toward the end of its life and has insufficient width to facilitate a safe two-lane road,” the spokesperson said.

“Upgrades to the single-lane road will provide a consistent two-lane road for the entire length of Mt Mercer Dereel Road, providing a safer road and smoother transit for motorists travelling through the area, including heavy vehicles and farming equipment.”