By LACHLAN MOORHEAD
A NARRE Warren motorcyclist, who questioned the safety of a cracked local road, believed trees may be the root of the problem.
Damien Kuzek has raised concerns over the condition of Ernst Wanke Road roughly 100 metres west of Maramba Drive, where a large crack has appeared in its surface which, he claims, makes it unstable.
Mr Kuzek, president of the school council at nearby Maramba Primary, said he believed the cracks might have been caused by tree roots pushing up underneath the bitumen.
He said he had to lean his motorbike into the incoming traffic lane to avoid the cracks every time he drove on the road.
“I ride a motorcycle and my concern with that road is that more cracks may develop over a period of time,” he said.
“It’s become significantly challenging, so challenging that I don’t think it’s safe to ride across the cracks. In the dark, you just can’t see them, and it’s extra dangerous being on two wheels.”
When he drives across the cracks in a car, Mr Kuzek said he can also feel the left side of the car “dip down.”
City of Casey manager Roads and Construction Wayne Mack said council is aware of the cracking on Ernst Wanke Road west of Maramba Drive and has placed temporary signage in the area to advise motorists of the change in the road condition.
“Council will undertake works in April to repair the road pavement and will remove a number of trees adjacent to the road to improve safety for motorists,” Mr Mack said.
