By Cam Lucadou-Wells
Repairs to a notoriously uneven section of Narre Warren-Cranbourne Road have been delayed due to a “complex” mixture of ground conditions, inadequate drainage and a broken sewer pipe, VicRoads says.
The $2.5 million works were expected to start on the road section south of Norfolk Drive by late 2016, subject to investigating the cause.
VicRoads metro south east operations director Michael Barker said it was working towards the “best long-term solution” for the road’s repair with Melbourne Water, South East Water and City of Casey.
“Repairs to Narre Warren-Cranbourne Road are complex due to ground conditions and inadequate drainage.”
Mr Barker said works were now expected to start in September after South East Water repaired its pipe on the eastern side of the road.
A South East Water spokesman said the 45-metre stretch of sewer main near the road which was damaged by tree roots was “not related to the condition of the road surface”.
He expected the pipe to be repaired by this week.
The deteriorated road, which was subject to heavy flooding in 2011, had become notorious for stressing the suspensions and shock absorbers of vehicles.
VicRoads reduced the section’s speed limit from 80 km/h to 60 km/h due to safety concerns more than two years ago.
Resident Rob Ward, who frequently drives on the road, said it had been a “mess” for years before a promise was made to fix it in 2016.
“Putting up (new) speed signs and having the odd speed camera booking motorists is not the answer.
“It seems that this government and Casey Council find it easier to put out press releases and create photo opportunities than to actually get anything done.”
Casey mayor Sam Aziz, who voted with councillors to lobby VicRoads to fix the road last year, was frustrated “it has just taken so long”.
Cr Aziz said the road’s condition – in combination with a car with questionable steering and travelling at reasonable speed – could cause a “real accident”.
“We raised it a year and a half ago, and there still has been no action on it.”
