By Shelby Brooks
The local community has taken to Facebook to voice their frustration over a patch of persistent flooding on the Kooweerup Bypass.
Water has submerged the left hand lane for motorists travelling from the South Gippsland Highway towards Pakenham since Friday 1 October.
Hayden Brady took to the local Facebook page to vent his disbelief that sign holders had been installed to help manage traffic instead of pumping the water away.
Many others shared his same sentiment.
“This is the 15th day,” he told the Gazette on Friday 15 October.
“I mean we’re in for another down pour this weekend, so wasting time and money like this is so ridiculous.
“It would be funny if the road wasn’t already a death trap.”
A spokesperson from the Department of Transport said the Kooweerup bypass is subject to regular flooding, with a permanent warning sign in place.
“Traffic management is in place at the site to keep motorists safe,” they said.
“We’re working closely with Melbourne Water to monitor the bypass and see if any further improvements are needed.
“We remind motorists to drive to the conditions and never enter floodwaters as the water may be deeper than expected, and the road surface damaged underneath.”
The water has been slowly receding and Department of Transport crews will continue to monitor the Kooweerup bypass and work with Melbourne Water to see if any improvements are possible.
