Safety upgrades for a risky Baynton road floodway remain on Macedon Ranges Council’s draft works list more than eight years on despite calls for action.
Residents say the Martins Road floodway has posed a risk to motorists for years with its dangerous dip and lack of signage and railings, yet the council continues to delay the works.
Neighbouring resident John Horkings said a bus full of passengers from Weekaway Camp that became trapped on the floodway earlier this month had renewed concern.
He said the area was prone to fires and if Martins Road was the only route out in an emergency it could be a disaster.
“We don’t want this to happen again,” Mr Horkings told the Express. “It’s been more than eight years since residents have raised concerns about this road with the council.”
“What is the council going to do – sit on its hands until someone ends up over the side? The reasoning of a lack of funds is okay for one to two years but after eight to nine years that doesn’t wash anymore.”
In 2013, a council site inspection revealed the upstream section of the floodway had been eroded and the width of the road narrowed.
Road widening and raising the road, and barriers were considered but the design and works did not progress.
Council’s director of assets and operations Shane Walden said the project was delayed due to its complexity and cost escalations.
He said the council was exploring both short-term solutions such as signage and longer-term upgrade options for the site such as road widening.
“Longer-term options such as a culvert upgrade project will be referred to a future budget process for consideration,” he said.
“Signage upgrade options are currently being explored and programmed. The next budget process begins soon with the upgrade project to be prioritised against other projects as a part of this process.”
Mr Walden said the floodway was inspected last year and was reported to be in good condition.
“Due to the low traffic volume on Martins Road and the good condition of the existing culvert, works have been prioritised at other locations with high traffic volumes,” he said.
“In prioritising these types of projects, the council looks at the asset condition, the usage and the cost to determine which projects have higher priorities than others. This project remains on the draft works list for budget consideration.”
