State Government demands Sunbury roadworks hurry up

After months of headaches for the community, and growing angst and anger, the State Government has demanded Sunbury’s roadworks be finished. And quick.

Sunbury residents are frustrated after intersection upgrades were delayed again. Picture: Rob Leeson

The State Government has demanded VicRoads gets Sunbury’s new traffic lights working this month.

The comments came a week after Sunbury Leader revealed the scheduled roadworks had been delayed again until mid-year.

Works to replace the roundabout at the intersection of Gap Rd and Horne St with traffic lights and add extra lanes and a pedestrian crossing have faced challenges since they started last year.

GAP RD ROADWORKS DELAYED AGAIN

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Sunbury state Labor MP Josh Bull apologised for the delays and said the State Government had “advised the contractor that any further delays are unacceptable”.

“We expect the traffic lights to be on and functioning by the end of April with minor works, including kerbing and channelling, complete by the end of June,” he said.

Mr Bull said workers had ran into delays because of damaged pipes under the site.

Sunbury roadworks around Gap Rd/Horne St have been delayed again. Picture: Rob Leeson

“While drainage works were planned as part of this project, once underground, workers discovered that vital major drainage networks beneath the roundabout were in very poor condition,” he said.

“Had these cracked and damaged pipes not been replaced, we would see regular flooding with heavy rains.”

Mr Bull said the government had also told VicRoads it wanted the majority of works completed by the end of the month.

It’s believed services such as gas, water and NBN also required relocation, adding to the delays.

Matthew Lillywhite is one of many Sunbury residents who want to see the project finished.

“It is incredibly difficult to go through, it’s very unsafe. The roundabout has been torn up and there are a lot of potholes on the road,” he said.

“It’s very disappointing to see a project that was campaigned for and was promised to be delivered in December has … been delayed.”

Mr Bull said he shared people’s frustrations about the delays; however, there was a “light at the end of the tunnel”.

“When the traffic lights are turned on we will have an improved solution for this busy intersection,” he said.