Construction work has started on the $1.4M project to widen, replace and seal Tall Tree Road in Lethbridge.
Golden Plains Shire Council has invested $472,000 into this significant works project and successfully secured a $943,000 grant from the State Government’s Local Roads to Market funding program.
Works will be completed on the 5.7km section of Tall Tree Road from the existing end of the sealed road to Meredith-Shelford Road in 2019. Tall Tree Road will remain open during the entire construction period with changed speed limits and possible delays as required for worker and user safety.
The project will seal an existing 3.5km section of unsealed road that is currently unsuitable for heavy vehicles and regularly requires maintenance, particularly following wet weather. A further 2.2km of narrow sealed road will be widened and replaced, improving safety and smooth flow of traffic along the busy road.
As part of the works, Council will also complete 27 new property entrances for residences and businesses on Tall Tree Road, including new pipes and safety headwalls for improved drainage.
Mayor Cr Owen Sharkey said that Council is eager to deliver this important upgrade for the Golden Plains Food Production Precinct, a priority project for Golden Plains Shire.
“The State Government announced the success of Council’s grant application in November 2018 and just a few weeks into 2019, we are breaking ground to deliver the new sealed road this year,” said Cr Sharkey.
“Tall Tree Road is the key arterial road of the Golden Plains Food Production Precinct and this $1.4M upgrade supports the growth of intensive agriculture, attracting new investment to the precinct, increasing local employment and positively improving the economy of Lethbridge and the wider Golden Plains area.
“Local primary producers will directly benefit from this project, with the new road accommodating increased traffic loading, particularly heavy vehicles. It will increase the durability of the carriageway while reducing the maintenance burden on Council.
The Golden Plains Food Production Precinct is a 4,000 hectare area of privately owned farm-zoned land west of Lethbridge. The Precinct is strategically located close to the Port of Geelong, and Avalon and Lethbridge Airports, as well as the cities of Melbourne, Geelong and Ballarat. In 2016, Council partnered with Barwon Water and Federal and State Governments to deliver an 18km town water pipeline at the Precinct; with future plans for the site including more power and improved telecommunications infrastructure.