Roadworks under way across the Surf Coast

Roadworks will be taking place around the shire as the Surf Coast Shire Council looks to capitalise on the quieter roads.

Cr Brian McKiterick said he is glad the improvements can be made despite the unique circumstances.

“I’m pleased to see these road upgrades progressing as they will improve safety for all road users.

“Our roads are obviously a lot quieter at the moment so it’s a good time to carry out these works. Council staff and contractors are working differently due to the social distancing restrictions, but are still making good progress in improving roads across the municipality.”

Major road works will begin on Horseshoe Bend Road on Monday, May 11.

The section of the road between McCanns Road and Fishers Road will be reconstructed and widened. This section will be closed until June 12, though it will still be accessible to locals.

These works are expected to take between four and six weeks.

The bridge at Thompsons Creek will then be replaced in summer of 2020/21.

The works are being funded by the Surf Coast Shire Council and the federal government’s Black Spot Program.

Major works are also underway on Gnarwarre Road.

Structural issues with the road were identified in 2017, leading to a reduction in the speed limit.

The improvements will produce a more structurally sound embankment suitable for higher amounts of traffic.

The road is closed between Barrabool Road and Mt Pollock Road, with a temporary detour route in place.

Two sections of Forest Road, near Grays Road, in Gherang are also set to be widened.

Forest Road will remain open, but will be reduced to one lane.

This project is funded by council and the state government’s Fixing Country Roads Program.