Road sealing works brought forward

Works are underway on the sealing of Kenilworth Avenue, Beaconsfield. 148730

By Bonny Burrows

Works on Beaconsfield’s Kenilworth Avenue have been brought forward by three years.
The Gazette announced on 25 October that the dirt road, running through the town parallel to the Pakenham train line, was to be sealed, ending resident frustrations at speeding vehicles, potholes and vehicle damage.
It has now been revealed by Cardinia Shire Council that developers Banriar Investments has brought the works forward from 2020 through an agreement with the shire.
The “creative solution” agreed to by the two bodies will see the developer use part of the levies it pays the council to fund the sealing of the road and surrounding infrastructure.
“It’s an innovation collaboration that allows us to bring the works forward by about three years,” a Banriar Investments spokesperson said.
Cardinia Shire Mayor Brett Owen said under the Officer Development Contributions Plan, the road wasn’t going to be constructed until 2020 “at the very earliest”.
He thanked the developer for working to find a collaborative solution because “to bring forward this project is very much needed”.
“This road is very important. We know it’s been very difficult for residents in the area in relation to the road because it does get a lot of use, connecting to the growing areas of Officer and Beaconsfield,” councillor Owen said.
“So we look forward to this road being constructed.”
The road will be sealed over two stages, the first of which will include works from Brunt Road to the freeway overpass.
Cr Owen said the second stage would follow shortly after that.
“This will also include a shared pathway on the railway side of this road,” Cr Owen said.
“This will connect into Beaconsfield for pedestrians and bicycles. Also, there will be a residential footpath on the south side of Kenilworth as well.”
Construction is already underway.