General News
20 September, 2022
Land locked
DRAINAGE solutions on a Loddon road are being investigated by the Department of Transport after another ‘land locked” week for residents. Within hours of the Loddon Herald contacting the department last Friday, investigators were assessing the...
DRAINAGE solutions on a Loddon road are being investigated by the Department of Transport after another ‘land locked” week for residents.
Within hours of the Loddon Herald contacting the department last Friday, investigators were assessing the impact of the latest deluge to hit Bridgewater-Arnold road.
Resident Jany Clutton said it was almost impossible to enter properties after heavy rains.
“Delivery drivers coming to our place are using a stick to check the water depth before trying to drive through,” Jany said.
The Cluttons live on the edge of Bridgewater and say driveway access can be limited for days after rain and minor flooding.
Department of Transport said its officers visited Bridgewater-Dunolly Road near Bridgewater to inspect the drainage.
“The department will continue to regularly inspect the road and investigate drainage solutions,” a statement said.
The department’s Loddon Mallee region director Melanie Hotton said: “Between now and mid-2023, our crews will complete resurfacing work on two sections of Bridgewater-Dunolly road as part of the current regional road maintenance blitz.
“This work will help to strengthen and smooth the road surface and create more reliable journeys for drivers.”
Jany said she was concerned for residents along the stretch of road, including her elderly parents, if drainage was not improved.
“The driveways are regularly flooded and the walkway in front of homes also under water,” she said.
Bridgewater-on-Loddon Dev-elopment has listed the Arnold road as a priority for advocacy in its draft 2022-2032 community plan.
President Toni Shea said: “Residents are living in a bog at this time of year.”
Minor flood warnings continue to be in place for the Loddon River where the level was 1.59 metres at Laanecoorie on Sunday before again dropping below the flood level trigger of 1.5 metres. Goulburn Murray Water says that Laanecoorie Reservoir continues to spill.