The City of Ballarat has commenced its annual maintenance program of unsealed roads, ensuring safer and more reliable roads for residents.
Now underway, the annual program of works includes resheeting and drainage improvements on five unsealed roads at Mount Helen, Warrenheip, Scotchmans Lead and Durham Lead.
The $563,000 worth of works are funded through the capital works program in the City of Ballarat's 2024-25 Budget.
City of Ballarat Mayor, Cr Tracey Hargreaves said the unsealed roads program is a key part of the City of Ballarat's commitment to maintaining local roads and ensuring the safety of all road users.
"Unsealed roads are a vital part of our transport network, particularly in rural areas," she said.
"This annual program ensures they remain safe and functional, improving travel conditions for residents, visitors, businesses and emergency services."
Unsealed roads included in this year's maintenance program are:
- Blairs Lane, Warrenheip
- Bell Avenue, Mount Helen
- Nolans Road, Scotchmans Lead, from Scotchmans Lead Road to the Yarrowee River
- Reid Park Road, Mount Helen
- Sandys Hill Road, Durham Lead, from Buninyong-Mount Mercer Road to Nicholsons Road.
Under the program, unsealed roads are resheeted with 100mm of new granite sand and a crushed rock wearing course which is a layer of compacted, crushed rock.
The works also include drainage maintenance, such as clearing vegetation and debris as well as upgrading or replacing defective pipes and culverts.
Sections of sealed road construction will be added to locations with intersections or culverts in a bid to reduce ongoing maintenance and improve road safety.
The works began earlier this month and are scheduled to continue until early May, weather permitting.
The five roads were identified through regular inspections, asset management data and ongoing maintenance requirements.
The City of Ballarat will notify directly impacted residents and landowners.
