AN irate Moorabool councillor has slammed maintenance of the Western Highway between Bacchus Marsh and Ballarat, calling the road a disgrace and genuine fire hazard.
Former mayor Cr Pat Toohey said VicRoads’ neglect of the stretch between Bacchus Marsh and Leigh Creek had led to it becoming littered with potholes.
He said the roadside was unkempt with long grass, dead trees and rubbish. “I would like to know what the plans are for this significant freeway infrastructure,” he said.
“It’s disappointing when you go interstate and see the standard of highways, and then you look at ours. When will tenders be issued for mowing? When [will] the dead trees and the rubbish be removed?”
Ballan resident Gabe Fidler said she discovered the poor condition of the road the hard way in July while being driven in an ambulance from Bacchus Marsh to Ballarat Hospital suffering dehydration and low blood pressure.
“Every bump in the road was a jolt to my arm and it really hurt,” Ms Fidler said.
“I knew the road was falling apart, but this was a very physical and painful reminder.
“I know the wet weather over the last 2½ years has taken its toll, but we need to remind ourselves that this freeway is the main thoroughfare between Melbourne and Adelaide and any problems need to be fixed immediately.”
East Moorabool ward’s Cr Michael Tudball also called for the Western Highway between Bacchus Marsh and Melton to be cleaned up. “Nothing has happened there for a long time by the looks,” he said.
VicRoads acting regional director Mick McCarthy said major flood and storm events in the past 18 months had caused the surface of many roads to deteriorate more rapidly than usual.
“During winter, it is not unusual for wet weather to compromise maintenance works already done on the road which makes it difficult for permanent repairs to be completed.
“VicRoads’ annual maintenance prioritisation process is based on minimising risks now and into the future and maximising the service to the community in the most cost effective manner.” He said VicRoads inspected the Western Freeway twice weekly to ensure it was in a safe condition. “Grass mowing on the Western Freeway is undertaken approximately three times per year, depending on seasonal demands.”
