Some of Warrnambool’s busiest streets will have their lifespans extended with Council’s annual road resealing program to start next week.
Work will be carried out on sections of Wangoom Road, Balmoral Road, Tulsa Close, Moore Street, Morriss Road, Hider Street, Hopetoun Road, Murray Street, Kerr Street, 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 CEO 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.
“It’s 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, beginning on Monday November 25 and concluding on Saturday November 30, weather permitting.
2024 Road Resealing Program, 25-30 November
Wangoom Road: House No. 35 to Aberline Rd
Balmoral Road: Toal Dr to Jason St
Tulsa Close: to Moonah St to End
Moore Street: Kiama Ave to Tozer Rd
Morriss Road: Examiner Cres to Vickers Dr
Hider Street: Princes Hwy to Panorama Ave
Hopetoun Road: Wayamba Ct to Chishlom St
Murray Street: Lava St to Kerr St
Kerr Street: Hider St to Hyland St
Fitzroy Road: Raglan Pde to Laverock Grove
Fitzroy Road: Laverock Grove to Giffen Street
Simpson Street: Princes Hwy to Jukes St
Gladstone Street: Marfell Rd to Otway Rd
Harris Street: Wellington St to Merri River Bridge
Hopkins Pt Road: Hopkins Bridge to Darlymp Dr
Ward Street: Nicholson St to Merri St