BOUNDARIES have been set through the Whistle Post vineyard to make way for the much anticipated $14.6m Penola bypass with construction expected to start later this year.
Whistle Post vineyard staff are hard at work removing vines to give an indication of road size, with the State Government is currently out to tender for contractors.
The bypass will be constructed along the vineyard’s property, before joining back onto the Riddoch Highway.
Whistle Post vigneron Brian Smibert was happy with the State Government’s communication and said his family entered the business with their “eyes wide open.”
Mr Smibert said he was well aware of potential issues with the establishment of the bypass on the property when taking over the business three years ago.
Acknowledging concerns held by some residents about the bypass, Mr Smibert said the long-awaited redevelopment was an overall positive for the town.
He said the new road addition will attract more tourists in the area without being disrupted by heavy vehicles, resulting in increased aesthetics and safety.
Believing the new road addition will attract more tourists into the area, Mr Smibert said tourists and visitors will be able to “have a cup of coffee without being disrupted by trucks”.
“Kids will also be safer along the main street and will allow for everyone to enjoy the area much more,” he said.
“It will also extend the 60km speed limit to past our vineyard which will make our property as a part of the town which will make the property much more peaceful and safer for those who wish to walk back into Penola.”
With the boundaries now set along the property, the family-owned vineyard was able to prepare for the up and coming frost season.
Mr Smibert said the vineyard will now re-evaluate its irrigation system to accommodate the future construction works expected later this year.
“We only have around four or five weeks until frost season begins,” Mr Smibert said.
“We now need to rework our frost boring system and reduce the flow on the first ball all of which is a substantial amount of work.”
Mr Smibert said it was critical for the vineyard to have a well-functioning frosting system as it allows the vines grow for the next season.
“We also need to identify where the underground plugs are and connect onto others,” he said.
“Now we have the boundaries of where the road will be identified in a pretty good manner we can get to work before frost hits the region.”
The bypass project is set to include a new 2.2km undivided sealed road, a T-junction at the Riddoch Highway where the bypass is expected to connect with the highway.
An upgrade of the bypass and the Robe to Clay Wells Road to a staggered T-junction will also be included.
