By Rowan Forster
Upgrades to Kenilworth Avenue have been brought to a screeching halt due to a rift between the project’s contractor and developer over cash.
Construction has ceased on the Beaconsfield thoroughfare for at least six weeks, with both parties unable to reach a compromise in their funding “negotiations”.
The redevelopment – which includes an extension to the Princes Highway underpass, sealing, new kerbs and footpaths – has been left in the lurch.
Councillor Brett Owen revealed council staff organised a meeting in the past week in a bid to alleviate tension and secure a resolution.
“Council senior officers have met with both parties in the past week to work through the issues in an attempt to foster a resolution,” he said.
“We are currently awaiting feedback from the developer.
“We are still hopeful of a settlement being reached in the short term to enable works to be completed.”
In a 2016 survey by Star News, Kenilworth Avenue was flagged as one of the region’s most dangerous roads.
The news came as a blow for Beaconsfield residents who rely on the street to travel to and from work.
Diane Pascoe said Kenilworth Avenue’s 80 kilometre speed limit and extremely rough surface makes it a recipe for disaster.
“It’s time for some intervention – we’ve been waiting long enough,” she said.
“People speed along and lose control when the road hasn’t been recently graded.”
Ms Pascoe said that while the strip has been listed on Cardinia Shire’s four week grading cycle, it still isn’t safe.
“It becomes rough and corrugated after days, especially in the rain,” she said.
The works have been ceased since at least 16 April, where Cardinia Shire confirmed the situation at a council meeting.
“There has been an issue arisen in relation to the construction of Kenilworth Avenue between developer funding the works and construction group undertaking the works,” acting general manager of assets and services Ben Wood said.
“We’re trying to work with the developer to facilitate a resolution for that issue.”
