A private construction group illegally closed lane on a major arterial road during peak hour
A private construction company working on an estate took the law into its own hands and closed an entire lane of one of the north’s busiest roads without permission. Here’s what happened to it.
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A construction company that shut down an entire lane on one of the busiest arterials in the north without permission has escaped with a slap on the wrist.
Commuters were thrown into peak hour chaos when PASK Group reduced Mickleham Rd to one lane on February 7, without government approval, as part of its Maples Estate development.
But despite causing massive delays, Pask Group received little more than a slap on the wrist from the Transport Department for its infraction, sparking an angry response from a Hume councillor.
Department of Transport spokeswoman Lauren Hilbert said the lane closure was not approved and the company had been given a warning.
“We have allowed this contractor to use traffic control on this section of Mickleham Rd using stop and slow signs for up to a few minutes at a time, outside morning and afternoon peaks,” Ms Hilbert said.
All private contractors are required to submit a traffic management plan for approval.
The agreed management plan stated both traffic lanes must remain open at all times, except for short periods to allow for the entry and exit of construction vehicles.
“When we are made aware of unauthorised lane closures or traffic management, we immediately contact those responsible and make sure the road is returned to normal traffic conditions as soon as possible,” Ms Hilbert said.
Hume councillor Joseph Haweil said the Mickleham Rd commute was a daily nightmare and called for a duplication on the road.
“What the developers did was illegal and I want to know why just a warning was issued, there needs to be something stronger,” Mr Haweil said.
“In future I’d like to see some common sense from the developer.”
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The PASK Group could not be reached for comment.
courtney.beaumont@news.com.au