Highway works back up & running

SOUTHERN Ports Highway roadworks are starting to resume as the school holidays wind up.

From January 27, the road between the Robe turn-off and the Southend turn-off will again be closed to the public, with a detour in place via Hatherleigh when crews are working on the road between 7am and 5pm weekdays.

The road, which reopened on December 20 last year for the summer holidays, will be open to all road users outside these hours, including weekends and weekdays from 5pm to 7am.

Updated signage and speed limits will be in place to alert road users.

Following delays from an extended wet winter last year, Wattle Range Council has revised its approach and altered the works program to pause works from June to August this year.

Wattle Range Council director for engineering Peter Halton said continuing works through the wet winter months risks further delays and the long-term road quality.

“Opening the road to the public after hours and on weekends will support community access but still allow us to work on the road efficiently when we need to,” Mr Halton said. “To protect the road, speed will be a critical factor and we are now asking the community to work with us and follow the speed restrictions.

“We will be monitoring the road closely, if we find that it is compromised, we may need to reassess access.”

Under the revised schedule, council plans to pause works and fully reopen the road in June.

The overall project completion is now forecast for mid-December this year.

“Rather than pushing ahead in poor conditions, we have taken a practical approach to deliver a stronger road that prioritises quality, value for money and community access,” Mr Halton said.

As part of their Community Conversation series, council will be visiting Beachport on Tuesday, February 24, for a BBQ and Chat event to allow community members to chat with council and elected members about the roadworks.

Wattle Range CEO Ben Gower said if the community have feedback, we are here to listen and I encourage them to come along and have their say.

Acknowledging the delays, Mr Gower reinforced that the project is a long-term investment in safety and connectivity for the region.

“Our focus remains on building a road that will serve the community well for decades,” Mr Gower said.

“I commend the Beachport and Southend community along with the Beachport Tourism Working Group for helping ensure the towns remain welcoming throughout the works.”

Council urges road users to follow speed limits and detours to protect the surface and ensure safe, efficient works.

To date, almost five kilometres of the 13.8-kilometre project have been completed with a temporary seal and line marking in place.

Council is delivering the works on behalf of DIT, with funding jointly provided by the Federal and State Governments through the Road Safety Program.