By Peter Douglas
The roadworks along Birmingham Road, Mount Evelyn, at the centre of community discontent were part of storm damage rectification works, according to Yarra Ranges Council.
Mount Evelyn resident Tim Barrot spoke to the ‘Mail’ in August, saying he and around 12 other locals wanted to voice their concerns over the works along a gravel drain, which they said threatened the safety of local children.
The group labelled the work a ‘band-aid solution’ and said the gravel was being strewn along the busy road, causing a hazard for drivers and pedestrians.
Mr Barrot said the gravel from the works, near the Birmingham Primary School, was also washing off into nearby stormpits.
“One issue with this type of repair is that if gravel washes onto the road on such a steep hill and a child runs out onto the road, we could have a major issue with braking, particularly in the wet,” he said.
However, Council Manager of Infrastructure Services, David Harper, defended the works.
“The works council undertook at Birmingham Road were completed as part of storm rectification works,” he said.
“After the 29 December 2016 and 21 March 2017 storms, the table drain at Birmingham Road was severely eroded.
“The drain was up to one metre deep, creating a hazard for motorists who drove off the road, onto the road’s shoulder.
“The works were undertaken during the school holidays to minimise disruption to school and general traffic.”
He said crushed rock was used to lift the drains back to a safe level.
“There have been some minor wash-outs of the drains after the completion of the works, because they did not set for long enough before the rainfall came,” he said.
“The amount of wash-off that has occurred since the works were completed has been limited, compared to the wash-out prior to the works when the amount of material washing down the drains was excessive due to the erosion.
“The works have now set and there will be minimal wash-outs in the future.”
Mr Harper said a small amount of loose rock might find its way on to the road, but the quantity would be minimal.
