By Tanya Faulkner
Hills residents are set for a smoother drive on one of the Yarra Ranges’ busy highways.
The Department of Transport and Planning have confirmed the resealing of a large pothole on the Burwood Highway is now complete and open for road users.
A Department of Transport and Planning spokesperson said crews have installed new culvert and drainage pits and laid new asphalt on the Burwood Highway at Upwey to repair road damage caused by severe forces of water underneath the road pavement.
“Crews will return soon to complete further repair work caused by the water damage and we thank motorists for their patience while we carry out these important works,” they said.
It came after several reports from locals across Knox and the Yarra Ranges of a ‘dangerously large’ pothole in the Burwood Highway in Upwey.
In late August, the Department of Transport and Planning surveillance team investigated reports relating to potholes and cracking on the road.
Shortly after inspections, the inbound lane was closed, and warning signs were installed with a temporary speed reduction to ensure the safety of all road users.
The assessments identified that severe forces of water dislodged some key drainage infrastructure and affected the layers of asphalt, leading to depressions on the road.
As well as installing new culverts and drainage pits, new asphalt has been laid to provide a smoother road surface.
Crews will return to complete further repairs on the Burwood Highway between Mt Dandenong Tourist Road and Mast Gully Road to help prevent water from affecting the underlying layers of the road.
During these works, a temporary 40km/h speed limit will be in place.
This is expected to be complete by the end of October.
Members of the community who come across potholes or any other damage on roads are encouraged to report them by calling the Department of Transport and Planning customer service hotline on 13 11 70.
