Several Ararat projects taking shape

Construction on municipal projects in Ararat district are progressing and work on projects outlined in a 2019-2020 council budget have also started.

Ararat Rural City Council chief executive Tim Harrison said work on Allenders Bridge on Warrak Road outside Ararat was almost complete, with finishing touches on road approaches either side of the structure completed last week.

Dr Harrison said the project would eliminate a load limit on the bridge crossing, with vehicles of all weights now able to use the new bridge.

“Latest roadwork widened and repaired approaches to the bridge and guard rail is expected to be installed this week,” he said.

“We are hoping to re-open Warrak Road late this week subject to the weather allowing the work to be complete.”

The council has advertised tenders for the provision of an integral bridge system for a bridge over Salt Creek on Pollands Road, Moyston, and will advertise tender to install the new bridge in coming months.

Dr Harrison said Pollands Road would be closed in early August for three days to allow for testing, and expectations were that the replacement of the bridge would occur later in the year when the weather was drier.

Meanwhile, construction of pedestrian islands and footpath widening near Marian College and St Andrew’s Kindergarten in Barkly Street, Ararat, is continuing.

Dr Harrison said there had been a short delay due to the delivery of materials to complete the footpath work, but work was now progressing.

“The contractors have moved to the middle of the road to complete the centre islands,” he said.

“It was impossible to start this work until the footpath work was finished due to safety considerations.”

Installation of a new basketball court at Ararat Fitness Centre, which the council is project managing, is also nearing completion.

The work includes varnishing and painting the floor, which is scheduled for this week.

Plans are for the court to be ready for official use in the first week of August.