By Violet Li
Construction work on the South Gippsland Highway and Ballarto Road roundabout have been hit with delays, and communities are dissatisfied that Casey Council has not timely informed them.
Colin Hampton of Cranbourne East said he had not seen any works in the past three months, and he had no clue what went wrong.
“The soil has now got grass grown on,” he said.
“What a mess!”
Casey Council is re-constructing the South Gippsland Highway and Ballarto Road intersection and converting it into a roundabout intersection to accommodate the growing population in the area.
The project costs $11.2 million, jointly funded by council and developers, with a contribution of $4.2 million.
Mr Hampton pointed out that the newly released Quarterly Community Report – January to March 2024 highlighted that “the intersection works progressed well during the quarter, expected to be completed by mid-2024”, but he called into question whether this was correct.
The council’s report states that the northbound side of the roundabout was completed in December 2023 and the construction of the southbound lanes is currently under construction.
“Current works also include relocation of services including Telstra, NBN, and gas with the relevant utility authorities.
“It’s anticipated that the project will be completed around July 2024.”
When asked, City of Casey manager city design and construction Michael Barrett said construction works on the South Gippsland Highway and Ballarto Road roundabout were currently on hold while council coordinated with relevant authorities for the relocation of underground services, which were obstructing drainage upgrades and proposed road alignment.
“The principle contractor was demobilised from the site in February while the relocation of major services occurred, including Telstra, NBN, and gas with the relevant utility authorities,” he said.
“It’s planned for the principle construction contractor to recommence works week commencing 17 June.
“The completion date noted in council’s Quarterly Report was unfortunately not updated to reflect the amended works program.
“Roundabout construction works are expected to be completed within six months.”
