Community
29 November, 2024
Road resealing program underway
SOME of Warrnambool’s busiest streets will have their lifespans extended with council’s annual road resealing program now underway.
Resealing works commenced this week, with several roads listed on the program.
This includes sections of Wangoom Road, Balmoral Road, Tulsa Close, Moore Street, Morriss Road, Hider Street, Hopetoun Road, Murray Street and Kerr Street.
Also set to receive attention are sections of Fitzroy Road, Simpson Street, Gladstone Street, Harris Street, Hopkins Pt Road and Ward Street.
Road resealing involves a bitumen spray being applied to the road surface before a layer of aggregate is rolled on top.
This creates a new waterproof layer and prevents water from seeping into the road, eroding its foundations and eventually causing the surface to break up and potholes to form.
Warrnambool City Council chief executive officer Andrew Mason said that resealing was an important part of road maintenance.
“Roads are at the core of local government. We know how important they are and that’s why we invest in the maintenance of our local streets,” he said.
“Quite a few of our busiest local roads have been identified for maintenance this year.
“Some of them see 6,000 or 7,000 vehicles a day, and that can take a toll.
“As with most things, if you look after your roads, they will last longer. Road resealing allows us to get the maximum lifespan out of our roads, saving money in the long run.”
Mr Mason also said it was important to remember that roads like the Princes Highway, Mortlake Road, Caramut Road and Bridge Road aren’t managed by council.
These are state government roads.
Warrnambool City Council has once again partnered with Corangamite Shire Council on a joint tender process, where one contractor was appointed to carry out the resealing work in both municipalities.
“The joint process has been a real win for both councils over the years,” Mr Mason said.
“Resealing work requires specialised contractors and equipment, and by combining our resealing programs, we can achieve some economies of scale and get a better overall price.”
Motorists can expect some delays while resealing is carried out.
“Resealing is a fairly quick process, with delays on each road contained within a single day,” Mr Mason said.
“There will be brief periods, about 20 minutes or so, where roads will be fully closed and traffic will be diverted.
“Residents living on a section of street that will be resealed will have received a letter in the mail.
“Thank you to everyone in advance for your patience as this essential maintenance work is carried out. One day of inconvenience will lead to a better road surface for years to come.”
Contractors will work on one road at a time, starting from last Monday, November 25.
Weather permitting, it is expected the works will be complete by tomorrow, Saturday, November 30.
For more details on the sections of each street to be resealed, visit www.warrnambool.vic.gov.au.
