Roadworks throughout the shire are continuing with a number of projects now underway or about to start.
Horseshoe Bend Road, Torquay
On Monday (11 May) works will begin to widen sections of Horseshoe Bend Road, between McCanns Road and Fishers Road – the 'horseshoe bend' section of the road.
The project will be completed in two stages. The first stage will include road reconstruction and widening works, which will take around four to six weeks to complete. The second stage, involving the replacement of the bridge at Thompsons Creek, will occur in summer 20/21.
To safely facilitate these works Horseshoe Bend Road will be closed, between McCanns and Fishers Roads, from 11 May until 12 June 2020. Local access will be maintained at all times.
This project is being jointly funded by Council and the Australian Government, as part of the Black Spot Program.
Gnarwarre Road, Gnarwarre
Major works are underway to re-establish Gnarwarre Road, which has been subject to lowered speed limits since structural issues were identified in 2017.
Works will include sleeving and extending an existing culvert, constructing new endwalls, as well as reconstructing and extending the embankments that support this section of road. Council is fully funding this project, one the largest projects in its Asset Renewal Program in recent years.
Gnarwarre Road will be closed, between Barrabool Road and Mt Pollock Road, for an estimated six to eight weeks, with signage and a detour route in place during the closure.
The Gnarwarre Road works will result in a structurally sound embankment that will support current and future traffic volumes.
Forest Road, Gherang
Works will soon begin to widen two sections of Forest Road, near Grays Road, in Gherang. Forest Road will remain open during the works, however traffic management will be in place with traffic reduced to one lane.
The project is being jointly funded by Council and the State Government, as part of the Fixing Country Roads Program.
"I'm pleased to see these road upgrades progressing as they will improve safety for all road users," Surf Coast Shire Cr Brian McKiterick said.
"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."
