VEGETATION removals and preparation of the new road alignment for the Penola Bypass is currently under way, with motorists slowing to a 25kph speed limit along the Riddoch Highway.
The new alignment for the bypass include removing current topsoil which will be stockpiled for use during construction, as well as Jessie Street being permanently closed between Ellen Street and Marks Road.
As part of the required approvals, the Transport Department will pay the Native Vegetation Fund in order to offset the removal and pruning of native vegetation.
“In relation to removal of roadside plantings, the department is in discussions with the Wattle Range Council for the required offset payment to be utilised by council for future works in these locations,” a department spokesperson said.
Due to the period of time between the initial bypass design, delivery of the southern stage of the bypass in 2014 and the current delivery, a full design review has been undertaken.
“There have been some changes to standards and the size and weight of vehicles using that section of road which has increased,” the spokesperson said.
“Whilst there have been minor amendments to the initial design there have been no significant changes.”
Alongside the northern bypass construction, there will also be construction of a 2.2km undivided, sealed rural arterial road with sealed shoulders.
An upgrade of the junction at the Penola Bypass and the Robe to Clay Wells Road – where the northern bypass and southern bypass meet – to a staggered t-junction will also be undertaken.
Construction of a t-junction at the Riddoch Highway along Church Street where the new northern bypass will connect to the highway north of Penola will also occur with a realignment of the Riddoch Highway t-junction with the existing southern bypass to the south of Penola to make the bypass a through road.
Road LED lighting at the three junctions and drainage infrastructure will also be implemented.
Member for MacKillop Nick McBride was pleased to see progress was being made on the northern section of the project.
“Initial clearing works for the new section are well under way and I am hopeful that work remains on track,” he said.
“The Penola bypass is an important infrastructure project that will improve freight efficiencies across the South East, which in turn, helps support the Limestone Coast’s highly productive economy.”
The bypass is expected to be open to traffic in the second quarter of 2020.
