By Danielle Kutchel and Mitchell Clarke
Frustrated drivers could be waiting up to eight weeks for a patch on potholes that have opened up on the corner of Rix Road and Officer South Road, Officer.
The potholes have opened up just past the roundabout at the busy intersection, which caters to dozens of trucks and buses throughout the day.
Star News has observed motorists swerving onto the opposite side of the road in an effort to avoid the hazards.
Residents have expressed their concern and disappointment, with several noting that patch jobs weren’t cutting it.
Keith Robb said he had already sent a report to the council about the issue.
“Worst patch job I’ve ever seen,” he said.
Meanwhile, Lee Nuttall said the potholes were “so harsh they set the accident warning on my dashcam off the other day.”
Cardinia Shire Council’s general manager infrastructure and environment, Peter Benazic, said council was aware of the “road surface defects”, with a new patch on the area due in the coming months.
“Rix Road is a sealed road and any defects that arise, such as potholes, are repaired as quickly as possible and in accordance with Council’s Road Management Plan,” he said.
“A more significant patch to address the concerns at the corner at Rix Road and Officer South Road is planned for completion in the next six to eight weeks.”
The intersection is also set for an upgrade, projected to be completed by 2012, to install signals.”Through negotiation, the timing of these works will align to the delivery of the adjacent development and the completion of the Princes Freeway city-bound ramps,” Mr Benazic said.
Meanwhile, Rix Road is not the only road in dire need of repairs, with residents of Kenilworth Avenue in Beaconsfield continuing to ask questions about when their road will be fixed.
“Council understands our community’s frustrations and remains committed to continuing advocating on its behalf until construction commences on Kenilworth Avenue,” Mr Benazic said.
“As such, council is continuing to advocate and facilitate a prompt outcome between the developer and the contractor to enable works to re-commence on site as soon as possible.”
Star News Group has reached out to the developer, Banriar Investments, on numerous occasions, however their phones are unable to be reached.
In the meantime, council claim they’re “working hard” on the delivery for Stage 2 works to seal the section of Kenilworth Avenue from the Princes Highway overpass to Coach House Lane.
“These works have recently been tendered to enable works to commence and continue in unison with the Stage 1 works later this year,” Mr Benazic said.
