The extended hot and dry weather is putting extra pressure on our gravel roads, with extra resources activated to help catch up on grading across Mitchell Shire Council's vast 700+ kilometre unsealed road network.
The extended hot weather means the roads will dry out quicker and need to be graded more regularly to keep them at their normal quality.
The lack of moisture also makes it difficult to deliver a smooth road pavement, with corrugations forming more easily than usual.
This has impacted the maintenance program which is currently six weeks behind schedule, despite bringing extra resources in over the last few weeks. Council will soon begin operating a Saturday roads crew as well to help address the backlog.
Community members are encouraged to drive to the conditions and slow down around work crews.
Urgent road hazards can be reported to Council at www.mitchellshire.vic.gov.au or 5734 6200 (including after hours emergencies).
As noted by Mitchell Shire Mayor Councillor Bill Chisholm
"Like many councils across the state, the dry conditions are having an impact on our roads," he said.
"Our roads crews work really hard all year round and it is disappointing that the weather is undoing a lot of their hard work.
"While the rains haven't come, we are fortunate to be able to bring the extra resources in and, hopefully this will help us catch up and get back on track.
"We thank the community for the patience and encourage people to drive to the current road conditions."
