Sealing upgrade works are now underway on Dore Road in Nar Nar Goon.
As part of the Better Local Roads, Strategic Sealed Roads program, Council will seal the entire 6km length of Dore Rd.
Works will include road pavement construction, kerb and channel construction, drainage works and signage, and line markings.
This project is jointly funded by Cardinia Shire Council and the Australian Government's Local Roads and Community Infrastructure fund.
Dore Rd is the first project where Council has used ground penetrating radar technology to conduct environmental surveys and create a 3D model of the trees and their roots above and below ground.
With over 1000 trees surrounding Dore Rd, the GPR has helped inform:
- The location and depth of existing tree roots
- if road levels can be adjusted to avoid and preserve certain areas.
- which tree roots will remain viable throughout construction and, which trees and their roots will need to be removed.
Without using the GPR surveys, it's estimated that over 340 trees could have been removed as part of the Dore Rd sealing upgrade works. Thanks to these GPR surveys, we have been able to save 95% of these identified trees along Dore Rd.
Bunyip Ward Councillor Graeme Moore said the project will play a significant role in building a better Cardinia Shire.
"The Strategic Sealed Roads program will connect vital local roads to the existing sealed road network, and not only aims to reduce environmental impacts associated with unsealed roads including run-off and dust, but also minimise the impact on native wildlife and vegetation."
"It's amazing that we can now utilise technology, like ground penetrating radar, to help better understand our native vegetation and ultimately help save trees and ratepayers money."
Council estimates that over $300k in ratepayers' money has been saved due to the GPR surveys along Dore Rd, as it reduced the potential native vegetation offset and tree removal costs.
"I'm excited to see that works have started, and I'd also like to ask the Bunyip Ward community for their patience during the works," Cr Moore said.
Upgrades works on Dore Rd are expected to be completed by September 2024, conditions permitting.
