Council invests in major gravel roads reconstruction program

A $1.7 million investment to revamp Wellington Shire's gravel roads is about to kick off following award of three local contracts. These projects form part of Wellington Shire Council’s annual gravel road reconstruction and resheeting program across selected rural roads.  

Wellington Shire Council is responsible for maintaining an extensive network of approximately 1,560 kilometres of unsealed roads within the Shire. The upcoming resheeting program will play a vital role in enhancing the condition of these roads and ensure that the road network remains in good condition and capable of meeting the needs of the community.

Following a Council Meeting on 3 October 2023, contracts were awarded for three unsealed road reconstruction areas in Wellington Shire.  

Works for the Eastern Maintenance and Urban area - awarded to local contractor, Bairnsdale Road Service Pty Ltd will cover the resheeting of Wonnangatta Road, Crooked River and Carrs Creek Road in Longford; Dargo and Parks Streets in Sale, roads in Hollands Landing and a section of the access road in Quarry Reserve in Briagolong.

Works for the Western Maintenance area - awarded to local contractor Whelans Group Investments Pty Ltd will cover McEwans Road in Cowwarr, Mullocky Road in Rosedale and Hugs Lane in Winnindoo.

The third and final contract for the Southern Maintenance area - awarded to local contractor, Bairnsdale Road Service Pty Ltd will cover Hanrattys Road in Hunterston, James Street and Verlings Lane in Yarram and the Lays Road extension in Gormandale.

Resheeting is a process that involves applying compacted new pavement material to the existing gravel road surface. In addition to resheeting, this project will address minor drainage maintenance and other essential roadside infrastructure as needed. These measures are essential due to the wear and tear caused by both weather conditions and traffic.

Wellington Shire Council Mayor, Cr Ian Bye said that significant investment in our road infrastructure underlines Council's commitment to the safety and connectedness of our community and we look forward to the positive impact these improvements will bring to our local road network.

Works are scheduled to commence in November, with further phases to be completed in the new year.  

While road works may cause some inconvenience to the public, it is crucial that these maintenance projects are carried out to maintain the overall condition of the gravel road network in Wellington.

To learn more about the project, visit Council’s website at www.wellington.vic.gov.au/development/major-projects-and-works.