Major works to commence at Balaclava and Verney Road intersection

This is a major project for Council with preliminary works carried out since February this year to prepare for the signalised intersection.

The preliminary works have included the relocation of the school bus interchange from Balaclava Road to Shepparton High School and the relocation of a number of water and gas mains.

Greater Shepparton City Council Director Infrastructure Phil Hoare said Council has appreciated the community’s support during these works.

“We would like to thank the community for their patience during the works so far and Council will continue to work with the Community Reference Committee and provide timely updates on traffic management throughout the next phases of the works,” Mr Hoare said.

Mr Hoare said this stage of works requires significant changes to traffic flow in the area and residents are advised that vehicles will not be permitted to travel through the intersection in a north/south direction, i.e. Hawdon Street and Verney Road. Traffic will however be able to flow east/west, i.e. along Balaclava Road and New Dookie Road.

“The intersection is a key gateway for Shepparton’s northern growth areas and a signalised intersection with additional traffic lanes is required to provide efficient vehicle movements at this location,” Mr Hoare said.

The intersection upgrade will be constructed in two stages, Stage One commencing on the northern half of the intersection and Stage Two the southern half of the intersection. Works are expected to be completed by May 2020.

“We request you take extra care when travelling in the area and Council thanks the community in anticipation of their cooperation and patience during the course of the works,” he said.

The works will involve construction of the intersection which includes the additional traffic lanes, kerb, channel and traffic island works, installation of the traffic signals and construction of the footpath and shared path along with the relocation of water mains.

“We encourage all residents and those who travel in the area to subscribe to updates through Council’s website to receive up-to-date information on the project and traffic management plans,” said Mr Hoare.