Above:Cardinia Shire Council’s Manager of Assets and Development Paul Healy, mayor and Bunyip Ward councillor Bill Pearson, and Project engineer Leigh Shera-Jones take a close look at the recently sealed Wattetree Road in Bunyip.BUNYIP motorists finally have a smoother drive, after the sealing of Wattletree Road was completed last week.
The seal, between Nash and Doran roads was finished, within budget and ahead of schedule.
The project was first mooted 22 years ago and it was completed under a special charge scheme which required residents to contribute to its cost.
Cardinia mayor and Bunyip Ward councillor Bill Pearson said residents were now protected from dusty conditions in summer and slushy driving during winter.
“The benefits speak for themselves and residents can now enjoy safer driving conditions on the sealed road,” he said.
Road users would also experience less dust in summer and no water-filled pot holes in winter.
The council’s General Manager Assets and Services Mike Ellis said there would also be less end erosion of roadside drains and improved water quality in the drainage system.
“Traffic management works can also be undertaken in the future to further improve safe driving conditions,” he said.
“We will be monitoring traffic with counters that also record the speed of each driver.”
The council approved the special charge scheme in December 2007 but it was delayed when two owners of the 76 affected properties took the council to the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal (VCAT).
The tribunal ruled that landowners would benefit from the scheme and work began on 13 October.
Cr Pearson said the road sealing was a win for the residents, their visitors and other drivers.
“I thank residents for their support and patience during construction,” he said.
