• Berwick Gazette
• Pakenham Gazette

10th February 2010 02:00:08 AM

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WORK has begun on the much needed $6.6 million Manks Road upgrade.

The works, which started last Monday, will increase safety and capacity on four bridges along the road in Dalmore.

Eastern Victoria Region MP Johan Scheffer said the road was a significant route for local primary industry and carried more than 1100 vehicles a day.

“The load limit on the bridges was reduced to 15 tonnes in October 2008 to ensure the safety of those travelling along Manks Road,” Mr Scheffer said.

“These works will see the four timber bridges replaced with concrete bridges so that the load limits can be increased to cater for the growing number of commercial vehicles using this route.”

The bridges to be replaced span Cardinia Creek, Cardinia Creek Catch Drain, Deep Creek and Deep Creek Catch Drain along a 300m section of the road.

“The removal of the current load limit will be good news for the surrounding local primary industry, especially asparagus producers who cater for about 95 per cent of the Australian domestic and export market,” he said. “The peak season for asparagus farming runs from September to December and Manks Road is a main road transport link for the industry so we must ensure that it meets current road standards.

“Providing safer roads contributes to economic development, enhances road safety and ensures our roads continue to service the community well into the future.”

Completion is expected by August.

Manks Road will be closed to through traffic for the duration of the works and signed detours will be in place.

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