POTHOLES are upsetting drivers across the Mornington Peninsula, but road subsidence is an issue for those using one Mount Martha street.
Residents are calling for urgent repairs to Lempriere Avenue due to a deep depression spreading across the road and making it dangerous and unstable.
Ian Easterby, who drives along the road almost every day, says he reported his concerns to the Department of Transport on 10 and 14 March that the indentation initially resulted from flooding in November, but no action was taken.
The subsidence has now caused the indentation to grow from two metres in length to eight metres this year, and is now across the road and affecting north and south-bound traffic.
Easterby said he complained to the media on Wednesday to give the issue some traction, resulting in engineers inspecting the next day and installing “rough surface” signs.
But he said the department had still not returned his calls or informed residents of work plans, and he felt the placement of signs indicated it might just be a “quick fix”.
“Lines highlight the area to be ‘reinstated’ but by what means, permanent or temporary quick fix,” he said.
“With Easter traffic and potential heavy rains, this may cause further undermining of the road base,” he said.
The department told The News it would repair the road “in coming weeks”.
“Crews will assess the site in coming days with the works expected to be complete in late April, weather permitting,” a spokesperson said.
The community can report any hazards on our road network by calling the hotline on 13 11 70 or via the VicRoads website.
To stay up-to date with what’s happening in an area via the VicRoads maintenance portal at vicroads.vic.gov.au/traffic-and-road-use/road-network-and-performance/road-maintenance-works
First published in the Mornington News – 28 March 2023
