Mt Cottrell Road, between Greigs Road West and Boundary Road, will be sealed thanks to extra funding from the federal government.
As part of the additional funding to the Roads to Recovery program, the federal government will more than double Melton council’s share of money over the next five years.
The council will receive an extra $3.45 million, bringing the total to $7.05 million. The bulk of the money ($2.94 million) will be handed over to council this and next financial year.
At their meeting last week, councillors voted in favour of sealing the 4.8 kilometres of Mt Cottrell Road, where two people were killed and three were injured in the past five years.
According to a report to council by its officers, about 680 vehicles use the road each day.
The project, which is expected to cost $4.49 million, will be completed over two financial years, with the council spending about $1.54 million to fund the shortfall.
“This is a good news story,” mayor Sophie Ramsey said. “To think there’s been a number of car crashes and two fatalities … Sealing has been enabled through great advocacy and networking.”
The project’s design, with all native vegetation assessments completed, was funded in the 2013-14 budget.
“This announcement by the federal government does not have an adverse effect on council’s budget,” the report stated. “It allows council to bring forward the construction of Mt Cottrell Road using the additional income.”
As part of the funding requirement, works on the project need to start this financial year.
“The Mt Cottrell Road project will affect the travelling public during construction,” the council report states.
“Access to adjoining properties will be maintained … and residents will be notified prior to the commencement of works.”
